Phono Stage for passive preamp control


Considering transformer-based passive preamplification. Can anyone suggest a quality tube phono stage with sufficient gain for lower input MC pickups in such a configuration ($2K new or used range)? Don't need volume control on the phono stage, but could go with one that wil bypass the volume control. Am I restricted to a SS phono stage in order to have sufficient gain WITHOUT a step-up device?
4yanx

Showing 1 response by 1musiclover

I'm not sure about units priced over 1K, but I purchased an Ear 834P and I'm very happy with it. It has close to 70dB of gain, and since it is a tube unit, it is very tweakable. There are many tweaking suggestions on this site and others. Some are as simple as replacing the stock tubes; others more involved. Most of the more expensive tubed units had 60dB gain. Most of the SS units, had more gain. I think the Michell/Trichord Delphini has over 70dB of gain. However, 70dB may not be enough for a cartridge with an output below .4mv with a passive preamp.