2. analog
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Preamp-phonostage selection for analog lover

This is my first thread here. Maybe it should go on the amp/preamp board but I am hoping that analog lovers, like me, will have a specialized knowledge base and be gracious enough to provide me with some help.

I really, really like the sound of vinyl. Several months ago, I bought a VPI 16.5 and since then have cleaned about 1,500 of my older LP's. I have a very nice McCormack SS amp, a Clearaudio Champion TT with an average AT cartridge (that I will be replacing), and a pair of Aerial 8 floorstanders. I have been using a borrowed Lehmann Black Cube from a friend. The Cube is okay, but I want to buy my own different from the Cube. Now I want to buy a USED TUBE preamp and a phono stage or a combination pre/phono (I know most people like the separates but I would like to go combo if at all practical). I will, of course, be using the TT and also an older Sony analog tuner. I will be using a run-of-the-mill CD player from time to time, but a high quality digital front end is NOT important to me, nor is it in my future.

Can those of you with more recent experience than I in analog give me some recommendations that would match with this amp, TT, speaker combo. I am also open to cartridge choices. I would like to stay with a good MM for now but would like to have a phono stage with the flexibilty to use an MC in the future. Oh, yes, and I'd like to spend between 1200-1800US on USED component(s)(I prefer someone else to take the knock down, I refuse to buy new in this area)! Please try to suggest units that fall within my price range USED not new, Bang for my buck, you know... Maybe 500-750US on a NEW cartridge - this lot I refuse to buy used! HA)

Thank you
Barbara
lpspinner

Showing 1 response by jnovak

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jnovak
401 posts
 
Hi Barbara, My nod for preamp/phono stage also goes to the Audible Illusions M3. You may want to consider an original M3 instead of the M3A. I've owned both for a long time and have gone back and forth with the "upgrade" option. The first Audible preamp I owned was the M3. I bought it because
it sells in the $600+ price range. When I put it in my system, I could hear only great things coming out of it!
A real winner. Upgrade fever compelled me to buy a M3A and
also an M3A with gold phono. With the exception of the gold
boards higher output, it was hard to justify the extra money
spent on the M3A. My turntable is a VPI TNT3 with JMW10" arm
and a Benz ruby2 cartridge. My rule of thumb is to buy a piece of gear at a price you can sell it at if you're not happy. It's a great feeling listening to a piece of gear
that I paid pennies for, verses the other guys thousands!Joe
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