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Phono Preamp suggestions $2000 (pre-rabbit hole tire kicking edition)

Next on my upgrade list is a new phonostage. I have been using and enjoying a Lounge LCR MKIII which doesn’t do anything wrong. But, I feel its not an end game piece even for my (mid-fi at best) system.
So, ideally I would like:Fast and dynamic.Some warmth"muscular" type of presentation."You are there" type of clarity

Bonus points for:Mono switchFront/rear face controls (loading/cap/etc)MM only
Budget: $2000 or less
I have been searching all the various forums to come up with a list, and some are well reviewed and very popular but I am not sure they will be what I would like. Basically trying to narrow down a list and then try to get a demo (if thats even possible)
--Odyssey Suspiro Reference - fairly certain this will do the job beautifully, Klaus will send a me a loaner to try out. Fremer loved it.
--Sutherland 20/20 (used) - people fall over themselves for this one so its undoubtedly good. The consensus I get from all I have read it that it has no sound. Also that it doesn’t have the best bass, but that having subs remedies that (I guess?)
--LFD LE MM phono stage - recently caught wind of this one. Great reviews.
--Manley Chinook (used - 2012 version) - people seem to love this one. Googling seems to indicate it might have the type of sound I’m after.
--Aural Thrills Serenade - sporadically mentioned. The builder seems......super confident. TAS award winning so thats good.
--Rogue Ares Magnum (used) - Rogue gear is popular. I have no experience. Seems like a very good piece of equipment however.
--Don Sachs Phono - Super interested in this one. MM only, Could probably get a mono switch. Haven’t seen anything negative about it. I like thats it build to order (specs).
At this point I’m just looking to get a list of gear to rabbit hole and try to demo if possible.
Thanks in advance.
gochurchgo

Showing 12 responses by gochurchgo

gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@luxmancl38  I had not thought of the e-250. That seems solid if I ccan get one used. thanks.
@rsf507 I keep looking at that one but the screen and software part worries me. When the screen craps out then a functioning unit is rendered useless. I will look at it again. I have never seen it with PS for $2k or under though.
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@rsf507  Do agree with the assessment of the TAS review of the Ph-10?
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/gold-note-ph-10-phonostage/?page=3
I'm just curious
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@rsf507  good to know. You’re using the power supply as well?

also, what preamp did you have before the PH-10?
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@rsf507  thanks. The Atma is a pricey piece. I'll keep digging.
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@avanti1960 heresy for sure but my concern with the Sutherland is that its so transparent that its not really there. I don't mind imparting on the sound a little, its the spice that makes the dish tasty. The 2 power cord/IC's 18 feet apart is a distant second concern.
Its really only my list as many, like you, absolutely love the thing so its has to be good.

Its still up for consideration of course. I'm just not as interested in absolute fidelity as I am in a pleasing sound.
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@atmasphere I'll take your word on it because I don't know anything (I really don't). Music is my way of not setting myself on fire and jumping from a bridge or tall building (anxiety is fun).
So any recommendations then based on the criteria you outlined?
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@goldprintaudio  yes. I am currently running mm carts and will someday get into MC so I figure I can just  go with a matched SUT and cart when that time comes.
I love the thought of tubes but there's a strain of thinking where I keep returning to solid state for convenience and silence. Always on and ready to go. Always quiet. Like a ninja!
I really never know when I'll get a chance to spin a couple sides so warm up time could be a factor. Plus in my mind solid state = slam and dynamics (which I know isnt true). So theres that. So for those reasons the Suspiso and 20/20 keep finding their way into my psyche.
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@atmasphere it would be left on 24/7 like my current one.
Regardless of semantics, which I’m not going to debate, people know what is meant by "slam" and "dynamics" which is why I use the terms.
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@atmasphere  reading about the 4718 and seems positive but very little info out there. Will research current mode phono preamp’  further
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
@dsockel  thanks. I had not looked at Graham Slee. Results Nee crazy positive and the price is good. I will look into it. Have you compared it to other phono stages?
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 
Anyone heard the Luxman e-250? There’s much chatter on the e-500 but little on the 250.
@nordicnorm thanks. I recall reading reviews on that a while back as they are very inexpensive used. 
@rooze  interesting. I’m look into it
gochurchgo OP
891 posts
 

The Soundsmith seems appealing. While not sexy its built by people who build cartridges. Ive also been looking at the Rothwell, Don Sachs and a couiple others. I was going to go Decware but the wait times are hilariously long.

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