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.  

patrickalston

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. 

@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.

I may get in trouble for mentioning this here, but if you need a matched pair set of six 6C33Cs (3 matched pairs, in other words) NOS from the Ulyanov factory and sold to me by Victor Khomenko of BAT at least 20 years ago, I would advertise them on Audiogon, so they get a cut, and sell them to you. I bought them for my Atmasphere amplifiers but then changed the output tube type so never used the 6C33Cs.

Another vote for Gold Note PH-10. It's a very flexible phono unit with lots of options. PLUS it sounds fantastic.