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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 2 responses by 4yanx

4yanx OP
1,576 posts
 
Maybe you're referring to the Rhea. (?) The IO's I have seen have been about $4K+ used.

I have decided to go with a Bent Audio 102 passive preamp which is seemingly less finicky with respect to impedance matching than perhaps some other units. I am now deciding whether a tube or SS phono stage will best meet my needs. Thanks for everyone's input thus far.
4yanx OP
1,576 posts
 
John, thanks for the input, which may benefit others considering the Bent, or for me in the furuter, for that matter. For now, I am currently awaiting delivery of a custom-designed tube/hybrid phono stage being built for me after consulting with Kevin Carter of K&K Audio. Kevin was involved with the design of the Art Audio Vinyl Reference, and the phono stage I am acquiring has very similar featires. Will be posting my impressions in a few weeks regarding it and the Bent 102 after things are up, running, and settled in (if I can ever decide on IC's). :-0
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