Help me choosing Phono Preamp


Hi,

I need suggestion in choosing a quality phono stage (SS or tube, new/used) under $3000 to mate with Denon DL-103 cartridge. The cartridge has very low output voltage around 0.18mV. Few pre I considered are Manley Chinook, EAR 834P, Liberty B2B-1, and MF MX-VYNL. All of them seem to require a step up transformer to work with DL-103. I don't like the idea of outboard transformer, and also I want to keep number of boxes as minimum as possible. Is there any outstanding pre out there (full function or stand alone phono stage) with input sensitivity close to 0.15 V to work with DL-103 ? Other qualities of the preamp I am looking for are: utterly transparent, extreme resolution, but not lean/thin/weak in sound, MC and MM both options will be a plus . Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sunny

topmostaudio
I would look for a used Coincident Phono Preamp to go with your Coincident Preamp. If you only need one line input it might be able to replace your preamp.
If you’ve got the balls to build it yourself, get the phono preamp Aikido board from Glassware Audio. $199 for the board and parts

http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/aiphpcb.html

Or you can buy a full kit with all parts (board, parts, power supply, tubes and chassis) & instructions from tubes4hifi for $590.

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/PH16.htm

Personal satisfaction is thrown in for free.

Of course you won't be able to brag to anyone about what a great deal you got for $3000 from the name brand.


Tavish Design  - Did you see the review in Stereophile? The Tavish Design Adagio compares favorably to a Shindo pre-amp costing 10x more.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-162

A less expensive model - http://www.cnet.com/news/ibm-engineer-designs-and-hand-builds-affordable-tube-audio-gear/

And the owner/designer uses a Denon DL103, among other carts, so his gear will work well with it.
rwhowe11 - Don't know about others, but I never use reviews to decide what units to consider, only units that get crossed off the list. Too much bias and personal preference involved. Too many other factors that may influence a review. Read into that whatever you think is applicable.

I only trust my own ears and how a given piece of equipment performs in my system. That’s all that counts for me, all that matters.
I agree with Derrick, allnic 1500 mkii Plus is magician. 2mm, 2mc cartridge, you choice.
But if you don't like step up transformers , don't go for him. First stage are suts, and then, amazing tubes stage. 
Run with him, Koetsu Rosewood, Audioquest 7000, Denon 103 dl II and recently added one Ortofon Cadenza Black.
Never noise, hum. The best of two worlds, musical and analytics.

Good find.