The Collective Wisdom


I have a Rega P5, Ortofon 2M Black cart, and Luxman integrated with built in phono stage. If I have a budget of less than $2k (including interconnects) could I expect much improvement from a new phono preamp, and if so, any recommendations at that price point ? Not dissatisfied with what I have, but curious what level of improvment I might hope for.

thanks in advance
sumbuba
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I was reluctant to make the jump to a stand alone phono stage and am glad I did. In my case it was an Electrocompaniet ECP-1. That is well within your budget even with the extra set of good quality interconnects you will need. Good luck finding an Electrocompaniet dealer though.

Luxman also makes a phono stage within your budget, check it out at online retailer *usic *irect.
For this kind of money what I would do first is to replace Rega table and Ortofon cartridge. Used Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm with new Dynavector 20X should do it. I would deal with the phono stage after that if needed.
If you like what you've got...keep it. Save your shekles and when you have lots of them, get a REAL step up. It is sooooo expensive to make incremental improvements. Do it right for your satisfaction. and wallet.