2. analog
  3. 143179-90127

Budget phono stage under $100, cheap but refined, does it exist?

I have a side project going on with my third system where I am adding a TT to it.
Now this is occasional listening at best so budget is tight for adding a phono stage to connect to my integrated there.
It can be new or used but would like to stay under $100 for this application.
MM requirement only
Thank you !
128x128uberwaltz
bigkidz
3,312 posts
 
The chassis costs more than $100 to make!
mmalley
6 posts
 
I would recommend the Schiit Mani as well. I had the Emotiva XPS-1 before getting the Mani and the Mani definitely has a wider soundstage, more separation and better dynamics overall. The Mani is a great preamp for the money.

some people have reported having issues with the Mani picking up RF, which is an issue I haven't run into. 
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
Upgrading the NAD PP2 with a good, regulated power supply and discrete op-amp will put you in a good place. The PP2 (cost about $100 used on fleabay) can be run stock until you raise the funds for the upgrades. You can probably do similar upgrades to Pro-Ject and Cambridge units, but ymmv. 
timlub
2,039 posts
 
 a Musical Fidelity VLPS II with s seperate power supply is great bang for the buck
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