In that price range, I'd seriously consider a Ray Samuels Audio F-117 Nighthawk. I've owned one and only recently replaced it with a Manley Chinook.
Phono Pre Amp Recommendation
I am more of a digital enthusiast than analog, but I do listen to vinyl.
After abandoning Vinyl at the dawn of the CD era (largely because my lp collection was destroyed in a flood and when I tried to replace it I found the stores had switched to the polycarbonate antichrist), I bought a Pro-Ject Debut about 10 years ago. While it reawakened my appreciation for vinyl it's limitations
were became soon apparent and seven years ago I bought a Rega P-5 with with it's stock mm Exacta cartridge. After a few budget phono preamps (Project, then a disasterous flirt with tubes with the Bellari), I settled in with PS Audio pre amp, which has multiple settings for mm and mc.
All was well until the stylus on the cartridge went kablooey. After dithering for a while I decided that I would use the opportunity to upgrade and try the world of mc cartridges. I got a good deal on a Clearaudio Concept table and mc Cartridge.
I appreciate the wealth of low level detail, improvement in speed stability, and blacker backgrounds that the Clearaudio brings to the party compared to the Rega. However, I think that despite it's issues, I enjoyed the Rega more. The music sounded warmer, more alive, and with a good soundstage. The Clearaudio sounds dry, analytical, less expansive and just less fun.
I was wondering if perhaps adding a tubed phono preamp might solve this. As I mentioned, my one experience with a tubed preamp was the Bellari, which made everything sound like Topio Gigio with laryngitis. Having just shelled out for the table, my budget would be $500 to $1k, max.
I listen primarily to classical music (99%).
Rest of the system: Speakers B&W 803-D
PreAmp-Ayre 5xe
Power Amp--Parasound
DAC-PSAudio DLIII
CD/SACD--Denon "Anniversary Edition"
NAD Universal Player (no Blu Ray) feeds the DLIII for CDs
DVD-Audio.
Squeezebox, mainly for Internet Radio, haven't embraced downloading.
I've been looking at the Jolida phono preamp, which with or without modifications, fits the budget.
As i said at the beginning, most of my listening and expertise is digital, so I am really hoping for some good feedback from the analog lovers here.
After abandoning Vinyl at the dawn of the CD era (largely because my lp collection was destroyed in a flood and when I tried to replace it I found the stores had switched to the polycarbonate antichrist), I bought a Pro-Ject Debut about 10 years ago. While it reawakened my appreciation for vinyl it's limitations
were became soon apparent and seven years ago I bought a Rega P-5 with with it's stock mm Exacta cartridge. After a few budget phono preamps (Project, then a disasterous flirt with tubes with the Bellari), I settled in with PS Audio pre amp, which has multiple settings for mm and mc.
All was well until the stylus on the cartridge went kablooey. After dithering for a while I decided that I would use the opportunity to upgrade and try the world of mc cartridges. I got a good deal on a Clearaudio Concept table and mc Cartridge.
I appreciate the wealth of low level detail, improvement in speed stability, and blacker backgrounds that the Clearaudio brings to the party compared to the Rega. However, I think that despite it's issues, I enjoyed the Rega more. The music sounded warmer, more alive, and with a good soundstage. The Clearaudio sounds dry, analytical, less expansive and just less fun.
I was wondering if perhaps adding a tubed phono preamp might solve this. As I mentioned, my one experience with a tubed preamp was the Bellari, which made everything sound like Topio Gigio with laryngitis. Having just shelled out for the table, my budget would be $500 to $1k, max.
I listen primarily to classical music (99%).
Rest of the system: Speakers B&W 803-D
PreAmp-Ayre 5xe
Power Amp--Parasound
DAC-PSAudio DLIII
CD/SACD--Denon "Anniversary Edition"
NAD Universal Player (no Blu Ray) feeds the DLIII for CDs
DVD-Audio.
Squeezebox, mainly for Internet Radio, haven't embraced downloading.
I've been looking at the Jolida phono preamp, which with or without modifications, fits the budget.
As i said at the beginning, most of my listening and expertise is digital, so I am really hoping for some good feedback from the analog lovers here.
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