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Recommended photo preamp with Klipsch and 300b amp?

Hi.

Wondering if folks have any experience / recommendations for a photo stage amp around $1-2k? The rest of my set up is a 300b amp (Elekit 8600) driving a pair of Klipsch Fortes IVs. I presently have a Sutherland little loco phono stage and I find it underwhelming. For analogue, I really want warmth and body and texture - and the Sutherland (with few exceptions, depending upon record) sounds rather analytical and lifeless to me.

Heard good things about Decware, Parasound, Sun Valley.

Thanks for your help!

Josh

joshindc
4 responses Add your response
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 

Pretty much nailed the choices in that price range; I would add the Hagerman Trumpet to the list.

You have pretty high sensitivity speakers so need to watch the noise floor...

Are you using lomc or mm?

big_greg
6,554 posts
 

Some others to consider (all would have to be used with your budget):

Manley Chinook - to my ears, this has the sound signature you're looking for.

Pass Labs XP-15 - a little more on the "neutral" side, a bit more detail and dynamics and a ton of gain and loading settings

If you prefer to buy new, consider the Musical Surroundings Nova iii.  I have not heard this unit, but previously owned the Nova Phonomena, which was a very neutral and flexible phono stage.  Not quite as much detail and dynamics as the other two I mentioned, but might be a good match with the Klipsch.

rsf507
2,222 posts
 

At the 2k limit there's the Gold Note PH-10

billwojo
397 posts
 

What cartridge? MM or MC?

 

BillWojo

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