Phono Preamp recommendation for VPI Prime

I'm using a Chinook with my Aries 3 with great results. My limited experience with Pass Labs equipment (not XP-15) was that it sounded rather dry and boring. I have 0 experience with Lehman.

I'm sure you'll also shortly receive recommendations for a Liberty Audio B2B-1 and a Herron Audio VTPH-2. I can't comment on those, but I ALWAYS see them recommended when people inquire about phonostages. Oh, I'm sure someone will chime in for the Allnic H1201.

I recently purchased a Graham Slee Reflex C for use with my low output Dynavector 20x2. It was a big improvement over my PS Audio GCPH and gets my recommendation. It is only for use with low output MC, however.

Liberty B2B-1

Take a look at this one too - google reviews etc. From its maker

Good Listening

Peter

Do you have a price range?

Kgturner is correct. you will get a recommendation for those three. I think you should also consider K&K, Art Audio, Aesthetix Rhea and Basis

I did a search in the $3000 t0 $3500 price range. I liked the Xp-15 and the Herron VTPH-2 best. I chose the Herron because I liked the tube midrange with he rest of my equipment which is solid state. If your sound is already warmish, I would go Pass Labs.

I have the VTPH-2. I can't say enough good things about it. Dead quiet, very resolving and my Avid Volvere TT with an Ortofon A-90 is just a spectacular pairing.

I'm nearly ready to pull the trigger on the Ayre for balanced.

12-22-14: Kgturner
I'm sure you'll also shortly receive recommendations for a Liberty Audio B2B-1 and a Herron Audio VTPH-2. I can't comment on those, but I ALWAYS see them recommended when people inquire about phonostages.

Well the difference is that the Herron's are usually recommended by users, while the Liberty is almost always recommended by Peter, the manufacturer.

I also would recommend that you look for a used Herron on Klyne, depending if you seek tube or solid state designs. Both are excellent.

I use the Herron VTPH-2 and it is a very nice phono stage simple to use and sounds great.

Try the Liberty, as it comes with a 2 week no questions asked return policy if not satisfied.

A point that should be noted is that the input impedance of the OP's MA-6600 integrated amp is a low 20K for both its balanced and unbalanced inputs. That is marginal at best for use with the Rhea (see the second paragraph here), and I believe also for use with the Herron (ask Keith Herron to be sure, if the VTPH-2 is considered).

Regards,
-- Al

Excellent point -- Al, (as always) The Liberty can effortlessly drive a load of < 30 Ohms. From its maker.

Good Listening

Peter

Thanks for everyone's input. Being new to a lot of this it gives me a lot to think about. The biggest issue is not always having the ability to try a phono stage first. Al I was considering the Rhea but was unaware of the technical issues. My max price is $4000. I think I'm looking for a tube model as all my other equipment is SS. However that being said when you read many of the reviews I'm not sure. This stuff can make your head spin! I can't tell you enough how I love the sound of vinyl. My tastes in music runs from say Led Zeppelin to Ella.

Just because you have an all ss system, don't think that you need a tubed phono stage. I made that mistake and it wasn't the sound I liked.

The phono stage was a Zesto andros, yes it sounded nice, just not to my liking. I ended up with a Simaudio Evolution 610. That's out of your price gap, however you might want to consider the Simaudio 310lp and 320 power supply which fit well with in your budget.