Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,593 Likes: 1
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2014
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I am looking to pick up a phono preamp for a MM cartridge table. I have a budget of 350$ or so. Silver color prefered I guess. Not a dealbreaker though. So far I am looking at a Graham Slee communicator. Any other suggestions? I'll probably end up buying online if that factors into rcommendations at all. Thanks!
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281 |
I have a project tubebox SE-II that I really like. I have read good thngs about graham slee as well over at Vinyl Engine. I have bought from needle doctor and lp gear but that was before our dollar went to the crapper. Check out canuck audio mart lots of good deals on there. I like to the tubebox that way I can change tubes with one I get off ebay to alter the sound of the playback. There is a tube box S on Canuckaudiomart for 265. Cambridge phone pre is also very popular.
DOG is GOD spelled backwards. What others think of me is none of my business. M80 V3 MY GLOSS Cherry
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,863
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,863 |
I've got a cambridge audio 640p. however, it seems that there is a newer option available, the 651p. http://www.spearitsound.com/Phono_Preamps-Cambridge_Audio_651P.htmlI'm quite happy with the 640 that i have. I've had it for a couple of years now.
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281 |
See I told you that Cambridge is popular , even dakkon has one.
DOG is GOD spelled backwards. What others think of me is none of my business. M80 V3 MY GLOSS Cherry
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
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For a relatively simple component such as a phono preamp, especially for a moving magnet cartridge, there appears to be no good reason to pay around that budget figure(much less the $10,000 some units run). Consider a reasonably-priced one such as this .
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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,593 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,593 Likes: 1 |
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll probably give Cambridge a shot. Price is right. I was originally into the cambridge, but reviews of the slee were great. But 350 before tax and shipping will land me over 400 easy. John, I did a little digging and it seems the TCC unit is affected by radio frequency interference. I'm not sure it would happen in my case, but airing on the side of caution suggests letting that deal go by. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,863
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
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With the 640p, there are quite a few DIY upgrades on the internet. The same very well could be true for the 651. Depending on your comfort level with component soldering, it would be yet another hobby. i haven't moded my 640p yet.. But, likely will in the not too terribly distant future, once i get all the projects around the house caught up...
When i was in the market Cambridge seemed to be a very good value, which is why i went that route. Good luck, and let us know what you get and what you think of it when it arrives.
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,281
connoisseur
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Serenity
What turntable and cartridge combination are you using. ?
DOG is GOD spelled backwards. What others think of me is none of my business. M80 V3 MY GLOSS Cherry
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,593 Likes: 1
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Cartridge is Audiotecnica AT120E in a mitsubishi DP-EC20 Table. Budget setup that sounded great. Till I bought a new integrated without built in phono......
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Re: Phono preamp suggestions
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Joined: Mar 2014
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Picked up a used 640P. Cant wait till it gets here.
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