Phono EQ (small, inexpensive) ??? Two Phono Inputs???


Two TT For my office system (details below) (is that TTT?)

I need a dedicated phono preamp, small is best, inexpensive is nice. Nothing but RIAA phono eq is needed.

suggestions?

a. One phono Input/Two TT: I have an old very compact Sony video selector I can use (4 inputs, 1 out), then go to a single input phono preamp

b. Phono Preamp with 2 phono inputs, switchable or dedicated.

suggestions?

system:

Amp: Carver Cube m400t, 200 wpc, one input, zero controls, not even power switch
https://worldofstereo.com/carver-m-400t-cube-amplifier/

Remote Line Controller. Chase RLC-1, remote power, 4 line inputs, remote vol, mute, bal, tone
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649391586-chase-technologies-rlc1-remote-line-controller/images/1694271/

Reel to Reel: Teac X2000r
https://www.aussieaudiomart.com/view_userimages.php?user_id=161999&image_id=29792

TT Vertical, Mitsubishi LT-5V
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/mitsubishi/lt-5v.shtml

TT, Programmable, Technics SL-J33 Quartz Direct Drive
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-j33.shtml

phono preamp ______???

thanks, Elliott
elliottbnewcombjr
@elliottbnewcombjr

If you go with the Mani, you may want to consider an inexpensive linear power supply; it does make a difference. I purchased the Mani last year, as I also did not want to spend much, and the Mani receives great reviews. And those accolades seem well founded. 

I felt after months with the Mani, although very good, I knew I could do better, so began a search for a new pre at a much higher price tag. Then I learned about the Mani being used with a separate linear power supply and it’s supposed increase in performance (which some say doesn’t make sense per the Mani’s power circuitry design). I ultimately decided to gamble and try that instead of purchasing another pre. Well, I must say, it’s almost like a new preamp and very happy with the results. Yes, the linear power supply cost almost as much as the Mani, but the two together still seems like a great deal regardless vs what is out there for the same overall cost.

Just a thought, not required by any means, but know that there is a way to get even more performance out of this great bargain of a phono pre either now or in the future.
I actually ordered one (un-named/labeled) from AliExpress. The most popular one I read about was a company called Swagman, based I believe in China/Hong Kong, but after contacting them, they seemed to indicate they were having shipping issues since the virus. So I tried another option. Yes, via AliExpress it was also coming from China/Hong Kong, but they didn’t indicate shipping would be a big problem. So, I took a chance. It took about 10 days to get to shipping, but once shipped was here within a couple days. Not bad overall.

There are many folks selling various versions of these linear power supplies, so you need to do a bit of homework, and select a seller with a good rating. All which I did, and also asked some questions of the seller just to see how they would respond, and how quickly. I also selected one with an R-core transformer, as I understand a poorly designed toroidal transformers could create unwanted noise, and R-Cores are known to be typically quieter. There are a bunch of these out there, you just need one which comes in 16v.

The company who provided/built mine was called ‘SENGTERBELLE HIFI Audio World Store’.


Using parts from the non-working pair, and patience, I successfully got one of the Mitsubishi Vertical TT, LT-5V looking good and working well. Zero tracking error, extremely stable speed, probably due to the balanced Platter/Flywheel design.

It came with a Stanton 600 cartridge with ____? Stylus, unknown condition. Happily it played my sacrifice test LP nicely. Removable headshell, any 1/2" cartridge, IF 18mm height can be achieved.

Put my AT440 Microline on it. Great luck on size, it matches the 18mm height specified. Tracking weight needed help, I had to add 4g brass weight to the very light AT headshell to first get ’0’ then add 1.5g tracking weight via moving the weight 'out' which is forward of the pivot point in the vertical arm, couldn’t be easier.

Ridiculous how cool it is and how good it sounds, the automatic features I need for my intended use.

The Technics Vertical TT SL-V5 I didn’t get is limited to P mount, I like this better, and I will get another headshell/mono cartridge ready for this in my office eventually.

LT-5V is now running downstairs thru my beloved McIntosh mx110z MM phono and primary system. I love the sound of it. I use the Shure V15vxmr body with new Jico SAS stylus my main system. Audibly, they both are terrific, I always go with the Shure over the AT, due I am sure having a pre-disposed functional bias toward Shure’s brush. Jico stylus has a brush, but it is not ’stabilized/dampened’ like the Shure brushes are.