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Need advice with a phono stage for my BAT VK-50...

I need a phone stage for my BAT pre-amp, the VK-50. I've never had a phono stage for this pre-amp and I have a few questions. (Please excuse my total lack of sophistication with this subject.)

My turntable is a VPI HW-19, MK 3. I don't want to spend alot on this, up to $1000 maximum and preowned is fine. I don't collect vinyl anymore but I do have about 100 records (Dad, what's a record?) that I'd like to play. My questions:

1) What's a decent p/s to purchase that would pair well with these components?
2) Does this have to be installed into the pre-amp, or is it a separate component that merely requires interconnects?
3) What other questions should I be asking?

Thanks for your help.
dennisb

Showing 2 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Jfrech and Dennisb,

I will second Jfrech's statement about there not being a phono card available for the vk50's and 51's. I also have VK50se and I am currently using an EAR 834P phono stage and they work very well together, however I am starting to look at upgrading the phono stage for reasons I will explain below.

Another point to consider is that the 50's and 51's are balanced inputs only, so it might be worth limiting your choices to phono stages that have balanced outputs, assuming that the phono stage in question is truly balanced. I am having to use a balanced-to-s/e adapter with the 834 and I do wonder how much potential there is waiting to be tapped by moving to an all balanced system. Of course, balanced equipment will drive the price up a bit.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
For the type of music that you're interested in playing I would recommend tubes all the way through, unless your speakers are inefficient. The next best option is to have all tubes in the front end, pre and phono, and a good, clear SS amp.
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