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

I finally purchased a table and settled on a Feickert Volare 25th Edition.  My original plan was to purchase a Feickert Trio (a one-armed version of the Firebird), but I decided to slow down to see if vinyl is a path to go down.  My investment is modest compared to the Trio which would've put me around my $15k budget.  The Volare 25 with its two motors is a step up from the standard version and it has a bigger footprint.  Cartridge is a Hana ML. 

Now, I just need a phono stage and would like to find a used BAT VK-P10SE or VK-12SE (if only to match my other BAT gear).  I look forward to listening through boxes of unopened albums, but don't want to get too deep into vinyl until I'm sure that I want to go down this rabbit hole.  (If not, I'll sell the rig and focus on my streaming game.)  

 

I think you will be surprised by how good this vinyl rig will be and I think you’ve just set your Eversolo A8 for an uphill battle. 
Make sure to give the Hana ML around 30-40hrs to break in. Very good cartridge. 
Enjoy the new setup!

I'm sure you're right.  In my mind, the Eversolo is for convenience.  I see it as an appliance, much like a microwave oven (food never tasted right after being microwaved)--but, it's efficient and gets the job done; however, I want that tactile experience that comes with vinyl.  

Between moving and life, I've calculated that I've been away from my system for almost 20 years.  So, this is a fresh start.  I may even buy some tape for my Revox B77 and do some recording. 

@patrickalston ,

If you're not already aware, there's a VK-P80 for sale for an attractive price over on USAM if there's enough left in your budget for it.

@thecarpathian Yes, I've seen it; however, I'd rather wait for a P10SE or perhaps the P12SE.  From what I'm reading, both the 10SE and 12SE are much better options.  In the short run, I could buy a VK-P5 to get me through until I get this vinyl "experiment" figured out.