Patrick, given that your downstream gear is balanced, I’d recommend a balanced phono to go with. Atmasphere and BAT are two sources. There are many others, usually solid state. Capacity for more than one pair of phono inputs, if you think you’ll ever need them, resistive and capacitance loading settings, mono switch, etc are further options. If you do want balanced, then Allnic and others mentioned are off the table. I sold my CLS Is back in the 80s in order to buy CLS II. Big mistake.
How do I choose a phono preamp?
I’ve not owned a turntable in almost 40 years and want to start listening to vinyl again. Im starting from scratch and hope to get guidance on how to select a preamp and table that will likely be the last one I own. My current equipment includes and BAT VK-60, an Eversolo A8 Streamer, a BAT VK-52SE preamp, a Revox Reel to Reel and a pair of Martin Logan CLS-1s. I will soon be adding a second VK-60 and will convert the amps to mono.
I know nothing about phono preamp, turntables, or cartridges. Where do I start? Budget is around $15k USD for all and I don’t mind purchasing used equipment. I’d appreciate any thoughts.
- ...
- 65 posts total
Given your comments, particularly if you want to do start endgame and not a novist setup. I’d recommend a Linn LP12 Majik with runs around $6K. It is an excellent turntable with cartridge and can be incrementally upgraded to a very high end machine if you want. I started in the middle and upgraded to the top. If is a wonderful table Then as I recommend a used Audio Research PH8 or higher phonostage. If I had let’s say $16K I would feel comfortablly get the turntable and spend the rest on the phonostage... they are that important. However, you could configure the turntable with an upgraded arm, or cartridge... so increasing the proportion investing in the table and less for the phonostage. I have continuously had turntables since the 1960’s. My vinyl arm is really good. With the top of the line LP12, top of the line Audio Research phonostage, Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge and a custom Silent Running Isolation Platform ($3.5K, well worth it). Sounds great. Although I don’t use it because my digital end sounds as good and sometimes better (with high resolution streams)... and with access to millions of albums I never listen to my vinyl leg. If I had $16K to invest and I was you, I would improve my streaming leg. But that is me. |
Are you in the USA? Guaranteed by SkyFi Audio, with excellent pre-mounted MC Cartridge https://skyfiaudio.com/products/luxman-pd444-vintage-turntable-w-new-lyra-delos-mc-cartridge
The arm has a removable headshell https://darklanternforowen.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/fr-64-tonearm-fidelity-research/ Potential for a 2nd arm later if desired. A sliding/locking plate type can be acquired at that time/ The Cartridge https://lyraanalog.com/delos.php You could discuss a second headshell in the package, an alternate cartridge choice, or adding a 2nd arm to start if you want.
|
also SkyFi Audio I gave my friend one of these many years ago (from Harvey’s used shelf), and installed this terrific EPA-B500 Armbase and S arm with removable headshell a few years ago. It’s a lot of flexibility in a compact single arm plinth. They are not showing the dust cover, but presumably they include it. It is rear hinged/play up or removed. Modern TTs specs compare, but do not exceed that Vintage 3 speed SP15
If desired, this is the alternate arm wand, straight/fixed cartridge, they slide sideways out of the base easily and lock in position precisely, as does the arm height
|
- 65 posts total