I have a Cary Audio SLP70 preamp (Circa 1993) with a phono stage. It uses two 12AX7 tubes for the phono stage. I recently upgraded my turntable to a Pro-Ject X2. The phono stage in my Cary is the only phono stage I have experienced. I think it sounds great especially with the new X2 spinning my vinyl. But as with most of us, I’m always thinking “Is there something better?”. I’ve been reading a lot about phono preamps. Mostly tube preamps in the $1000 range. But I’ve also read where the phono stage in the Cary is quite good. My problem is having nothing to compare it to. Are there phono preamps in the $1000 range worth considering? Other components in my system are Pass Labs XA30.8 amp and early 90s Chapman T7 speakers.
I would first upgrade tubes in your Cary unless you have already done so. You would also need extra set of interconnects and probably power cord for separate phono stage. And you didn't say what cartridge you used. And separate phono stage should match both electrically and musically with your Cary. It might be simple and might be not.
Hi, The CareySLP70 is actually a very good and musical preamp, and is not the weakest link. I would upgrade the turntable if you want best bang for the dollar. If you have just purchased the TT I would suggest asking Carey Audio what upgrades are available for the preamp. For a few hundred dollars they can probably deliver a nice upgrade package for the preamp. They actively advertise upgrade packages for older models. This makes more sense than spending more on a separate phono when really the TT is limited.
When people tell you the phono stage in the Cary is quite good they are telling the truth. The part they leave out is, "for a phono stage on a card in a amp." You can do a whole lot better with an outboard phono stage, even without spending a grand.
It all depends on what your goals are. You have a pretty decent budget level table and cartridge. Kind of stuff where you are at a level where with the right moves over time you can wind up with a really impressive system. There's a lot of different ways you can go. You're talking phono stages so let's talk phono stages.
You can get a truly excellent one like the Decware ZP3 for $1300. Quite a bit more than your $1k range. Then again also quite a bit better than you are thinking. Stage like this will redefine your definition of "good".
It will also work with your high output cartridge. Lifetime warranty. Good enough so that gradually over time as you replace your other older gear it will be a good long time, if ever, before you think about a phono stage again.
This will quite frankly wind up being the best component in your system. Now and for some time to come. But then how many amps or speakers can you find for under $2k that you can say that about?
If you step over the line and become an audiophile then all the rules upon which you base your life. . . change.
Audiophilism is like drugs. And a cult. Both are a chase of a better illusion, a more profound deception of your senses, and it feels GREAT when it happens ! ! !
Because your mind habituates to the current reality, the search is for the next best eargasm is constant in your life. You are a critic of everything you know, and a slave to what is the next incredible sonic experience you know you will have.
So what's wrong here is the same thing my cat says to me when I buy cheap cat-nip. The idea is can you pay too much to makes you happy?
I have to agree with MC the Decware ZP3 phono preamp is a great bargain and great sounding, and for another $900.00 you can get the ZMC 1,2, or 3 for MC cartridges. with this set up you will not need any other phono preamp.
Try a tavish design classic or vintage, both under a grand and both are tubed. Made in the US. They both have mm/mc, however I'm using a Jensen step up transformer and the mm section of the tavish classic. Cartridge is the Hana el.
I would personally try rolling tubes in the phono section first. I recently bought a Tavish phono pre, and I love it. It’s got lots of loading options and two 12AX7’s (one 5751) and one 12AU7. Another option that I’m curious about that might be worth looking into is the new EAT phono pre. It’s a bit over your budget at $1,500 or so, but it’s got so many loading options, including capacitance for MM carts. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do though. :)
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