Choosing a Good Phono Pre for a Rega RP-1 with a Denon DL-110.

That is quite the budget for your TT set-up.  I am using a Schiit Mani in my set-up.

My TT is a Stanton ST 150 with a Denon 103 cartridge.  Price is a steal at $130.  Made in the USA.  This Mani makes my vinyl sound very musical.  There is a Stereophile review out there that is more descriptive than I will ever be.

I had been using an Adcom GTP 500 II that I had from 25 years ago and then a Parasound zPhono and was wondering if I was wasting my money re-embracing vinyl.  Everything was sounding like ehh.  Not that way with the Mani.  

Conceptually, I would not pay more for a phono preamp than what I paid for my turntable ($600), it makes no sense to me.    

http://schiit.com/products/mani


Rich 

Your guys comments are spot on.  Thanks.  I am looking to upgrade my TT as my budget allows down the road.  I just have a deal on the upgraded Rega RP-1 for just under $500 to get things rolling.  I reason, that after our family's trip to Europe I can justify getting a Rega RP-3 or other TT early next year. I guess my choices are down to an ARC or Lehmann Black Box SE II.  I saw some good deals on ARC phonos that could be had for under $2k.  I like the idea of tubes but want easy adjustment of the phono which the high end ARCs and Lehmann offer.  I appreciate your ideas.

There is an Audio Research factory sealed PH-6 on AudiogoN right now for $2100.  That's an incredible buy for this unit.  If you really want to spend that kind of money that would be my recommendation. (No relation to the seller, just a TERRIFIC price).

The Lounge Audio phono stage mentioned above is KILLER.  I have one and it is really, really nice for the money.

Mofimadness:  I actually have that very listing in my watch list.  Thanks for the remarks.

I just wanted to tell all of you how happy I was with your comments. I just purchased a ARC PH-6 listed here on AudiogoN and am waiting for delivery.  I spoke with an ARC tech yesterday that stated that the Denon DL-110 was in the sweet spot spot for the 58 db gain that the PH-6 offers.  I will give an update when I have a chance to get everything set up in my ref rig.  Again, thanks for all the helpful comments.