Best pre-amp with built-in phono stage under 10K?


There seem to be a renaissance in this area. Among others, EAR has the 912 and Cary has the SLP-05. Both mentioned in TAS a few months ago but little info on them. I have been reading up on the Steelhead also which has one input and more can be added using the "switcher."

I need about 5 inputs. I am looking for something for my Art Audio PX-25 and I am wondering if there is something that is pretty much state of the art without going to separates. Remote control and high quality mc input a must, tubes would be preferred, mono and phase switching and balanced inputs close behind.
slingshot

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

How about the Ayre K-1XE? New it is $8,600, with remote and phono boards. (Used it is about $4-5,000, depending on version and options. I paid $4K for mine (used) with remote and phono boards.)

While it does not have the tubes that you prefer, it does have:

A remote (Volume and mute only)

Top notch phono boards - (Adjustable gain, up to 70 db, and adjustable loading. I have used both a Koetsu Rosewood Signature (0.4mv) and Shelter 90X (0.6mv), so it should should handle pretty much any low output mc cartridge).

6 inputs - 3 balanced and 3 single ended, (Note that the phono boards use one of the balanced inputs.)

This preamp is pretty close to state of the art, in my humble opinion. It has a very low noise floor for both the line stage as well as the phono boards. I much prefer this preamp and these phono boards to my old ARC LS-2 preamp and PH-3 phono preamp. (I grew tired of hearing the tube rushing, albeit only audible during quiet passages.)

My two cents worth. Good luck in your search!