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Looking for a new phono preamp

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Here's the deal. I'd like to find a new phono preamp. I'd prefer solid state, tubes get noisy too fast. My latest cartridge is an AT-ART9XA. I'm currently running thru a sut into a cj pv10a with phono stage, but I have just got my hands on a Bel Canto pre5 that the new phono pre will be paired with.

I've got a hard upper limit of $2.5k, less is OK for the right unit. I'm looking to buy new. Dealers around me aren't really set up to demo vinyl, so I'm hoping the collective experience in here can at least point me in the right direction. Hopefully, it would have a one month return policy so I can try out the preamp.

TIA.

PsychoicReaction
psychoticreaction
lukaske
307 posts
 
Ear 868, or Ear 912: one of the best I heared ! Very natural, and open sound . Metronome Technologie: what a sound!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
gcsakakini
7 posts
 
You can’t go wrong with the giant killing Channel Islands Audio PEQ-1 MKII ($995); but you really need to add the optional power supply upgrade for another $299. Audiophile friends whose ears I trust like it better than the Parasound JC3+ that gets all of the raves. I don’t know how it compares with the new kid on the block PS Audio Stellar piece. All I know is that after over 40 years of being in this hobby and now having a revealing, world-class system, the CIA unit fits in fine and makes beautiful music. BTW, it’s among the 800+ products in the March TAS Editors’ Choice Awards.
psychoticreaction OP
37 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the advice.  I have looked into most of the suggestions that fell near my budget limit.  

But...

I have located and arranged for the purchase of a preowned Herron VTPH-2A so close to my budget that I could not pass it up.  It was purchased new in 2018 and I am purchasing it from the original owner.

I am looking forward to adding it to my system.

Thanks again!

hmmmmm
1 posts
 
Lmao, OP: "I must have 3 things: 1) SS phono, 2) it must be new, 3) I have a hard limit of $2.5k" and ends up with a tube phono, used, over budget.
psychoticreaction OP
37 posts
 
Musts?

"I've got a hard upper limit of $2.5k"   -partial fail

However, $50 over wasn't significant enough to me to let this one get away. , I'll give you half a point on this (generous at that).

" I'd prefer solid state, tubes get noisy too fast." - fail.
" I'm looking to buy new." - fail

~.5 out of 3, I guess that's not bad for a troll, and guess trolls can't bother actually reading.

I'm guessing you're one of the members here who PM'd me with an offer that I didn't take you up on.  Very sad.
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