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.

patrickalston11-05-2025 4:53am

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elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,807 posts 11-05-2025 at 05:02pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete also SkyFi Audio https://skyfiaudio.com/products/technics-sp-15-turntable-w-new-sumiko-starling-cartridge-and-epa-b500-arm 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
elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,807 posts 11-05-2025 at 05:26pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I restored a TD124 and the shorter 9" version of this arm and loved it https://www.ebay.com/itm/405162921750?_skw=turntable&itmmeta=01K9AHAV4ECEWWSFWBA8VRDQH1&hash=item5e55978f16:g:Z9gAAOSwlLJmuvSk&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1euDDZcwJt4L1qKXTFJ%2FyzY9%2FaOGKpcU%2FbMZxUHhUZrjDLwCYVTsPY%2FaAjhmlSmGi6VwapWUvtkm42xCLlDEurcvd43xYzwI%2B%2B0UseeQ9gIJ5EXSHpINTCaIlikXHcMFQPObPPy3NqLiE%2BEhudhAeBZ4UXMkftIjxwH%2BU7eKplhANINiW1oNsetNJKUkspgvFY2NGnXU3mbVIPK%2BOBLGauwFHzn3ktWmYjwfKnyXnMjrgtTJaJCc5n9ryt1a5V%2FXDqKLU1Wdn%2BddnXrqT9rCHOeFEBJ1TIoNmmOL4lcVw%2FfyA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-6yq9HKZg allows alternate cartridges via removable headshell It’s bearing is succeptible to vertical movement, thus you need solid floors, or stable wall mount. My wood floors are too flexible, but I still miss it.
elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,807 posts 11-05-2025 at 05:31pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete similar, more modern version, I never saw or heard one https://www.ebay.com/itm/205056303522?_skw=turntable&itmmeta=01K9AGGDHPW2VSMVH3M0BPT2HR&hash=item2fbe4ee1a2:g:ei0AAOSw8O9nFvrA&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cT7mlY5gQEyoWJjepJIOSNhOb7sV%2B48SzPvdEKBkzzyg4Glqy4ZIJZzPQxZTCgsHD1XY%2FuDuuEmxAT17FlhY4AWIi1FAvhgj5obWhrqTvpIl1O68ZP5n9bci2KtngNpgeugIQeQJfp08%2FGOPB0qPvB8GUBI2KcDa4ug%2BsBLGa3sSN%2FabkpRRRDFaUI5cLK3VD8IrxqhY3S0XNZn%2Blf6D80W5Ho5%2BQt1y9BiS2lgEn8Cwa6pHccpgjClnN5at7giQ5BxI2qLdkkDB7mFultxJurwHivLgpRu6rnTuMOcjwpcQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5zZwdDKZg
pindac Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,970 posts 11-05-2025 at 05:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete With an Album collection from the 80's, selecting a small qty to be cleaned and used for upcoming investigations will be very beneficial. The Vinyl medium is the Source of where the End Sound is originating from. The die hards on this forum will support such a Practice.
drmuso Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 253 posts 11-05-2025 at 05:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @patrickalston I recommend you choose a cartridge that is audibly compatible with your speakers. Some cartridges are very analytical, others are romantically lush, and many are in between. If you can visit someone who has the CLS speakers (or something close) and hear different cartridges there, or take their recommendation on a good match, you'll be ahead of the game. Then you'll want to choose a tonearm that is compatible with the cartridge you've chosen, based on parameters such as the (effective) mass of the tonearm and the cartridge and the compliance of the cartridge. A good dealer could be most helpful unless you're willing to study up on these issues and get into the details of the components. I would take with a grain of salt the recommendations of others for cartridges unless they're based on familiarity with the CLS speakers and your sonic preferences.