2. amps-preamps
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Phono pre-amplifier

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a good phono-preamp to connect my DUAL CS5000 fitted with the Ortofon OMB20 MM cartridge to my Musical Fidelity M6i integrated amplifier.

I read a lot about different pre-amps in the 300-400€ price range but it's very difficult to decide if you cannot compare them yourself. The ones that cought my attention are:
•Rega Fono MM
•Graham Slee GRAM AMP2 SE (MM)
•Clearaudio Nano Phono (MM/MC)
•Lehman Audio Black Cube (MM/MC)
•Creek OBH-18 (MM)
Does anybody have any experinece with some of these?

Thanks
pmp

Showing 2 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
The Lehmann is very, very good. I've always kept one as a back-up to my main phono section (which was an ARC PH3 for several years, and has been an Aesthetix Rhea for the last 4ish years). Leaner sounding (and much less flexible) than the Rhea, for sure....but uncomfortably close to the ARC for anyone trying to justify the difference in purchase price.

Just my take.

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Seakayak,

I didn't know that there were clones.

I bought the Lehmann when I added a 'table to a second system. When the ARC in the main system went down, the Lehmann replaced it during repair. I was surprised by how little diference I heard when I made the switch. A subsequent switch to the Rhea (with its multi inputs that allowed me to move both 'tables into my main system) showed a very different sonic character.

The fact that the Lehmann and the ARC sounded so similar to me may speak to the value of the Lehmann, the lack of value in the ARC, or the lack of discrimination on the part of this listener ;-)

Marty
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