2. amps-preamps
  3. 1300912540

need advice for budget preamp for Rega p3-24...

Seeking advice regarding a budget (under $400, really; used or new) phono preamp for the following basic set-up:
Rega p3-24 turntable
Linn Classik integrated amp or Cambridge Audio 650 amp
Vienna Acoustics speakers (have Mozart Grand, and Haydn Grand)
audioquest cables

for analog-time, I'm all about acoustic jazz, esp piano and drums, and also some 70s rock. Play at lower volume.

I'm looking at, I guess:
Rega fono mini
Rega fono (non-mini; next step up)
Bellari v 129-30
Cambridge Audio 540p or 640p
and what else, in this meager price range?

I'd LOVE to have a $1000 or $4000 phono preamp, but that is not in the budget whatsoever and as a teacher, I don't get bonuses. Basically I want smoothness, warmth, soundstage, and darkness (duh).
paanders
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I would look for an older PV series conrad johnson.

Chuck
swanny76109
382 posts
 
I saw a demo PS GCPH on Music Direct on clearance for a great price--plus you would get the warranty. I love mine.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
I use the Bellari with my P5, and that is a good combo. However, the only other one I have had in my system was the Project Tube Box SE, which was nowhere near as good, especially for full scale orchestra/opera.
rdavwhitaker
173 posts
 
You might consider the Parasound Zphono -- I bought on a lark, because it was inexpensive, and was surprisingly impressed -- so much so that I eventually bought its big brother, the JC-3, to serve as my primary phono stage.

Your comments indicate that you will probably be purchasing remotely. If so, the Zphono and the Cambridge Audo units are all available from Audio Advisor, which offers a thirty-day return policy, which would let you pick one and audition it in your own home.
wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 
Not a bad idea actually...buy ALL the phono preamps from Audio Advisor and audition them for 30 days. You could generate pages of reviews and become an instantly esteemed member of the opinionista. 640P update: This is a GREAT piece of gear that sounds even better after 2 days of warmup.
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