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.
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- 65 posts total
@thecarpathian I'm curious about your experience with the VK-P5. As I mentioned, I purchased a VK-P5 w/Superpak--which won't be delivered until next week--and wonder how satisfied you are with it. In my zeal to pull together my system's vinyl section, I may have moved too quickly with my phono preamp purchase. I'm seeing VK-P80s being priced within reach (if I eat Top Ramen for a few days) and suspect that I should have been more thoughtful with my selection. I'd like to hear anyone else's thoughts/experiences with moving through up the BAT Phono Preamp ladder. Can anyone shed light on how much improvement I should expect to realize with a VK-P80 or VK-P12SE?
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Albeit being an older model with no superpak, I'm quite satisfied with the sound. I'm running a vintage Denon DP-57l with it. I'd describe the sound as 'smooth'. Not laid back, but not in your face, either. I think with upgraded tubes, it would sound even better. The BAT is well built, and quite robust and heavy for a phono pre. This thing weighs 35 pounds! I'd imagine given your budget, whatever turntable you get along with a newer and more refined BAT, the sound ought to be sublime.
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congrats on your TT selection, I don’t know anything, this popped up in a BAT Phono search. https://ckaudio.sg/products/bat-vk-p5-tube-phono-preamplifier https://search.brave.com/search?q=BAT+VK-P5&summary=1&conversation=70b82c2225b104a02fc153 https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/trying-a-bat-vk-p5-with-a-step-up-transformer
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I landed on on a VK-P5 w/Superpak option which adds a power supply and capacitor upgrade. Based on @thecarpathian's experience with his P5, I live with it until I'm certain that I want to continue to enjoy vinyl. It's supposed to be delivered on Tuesday, but I can't listen until my preamp comes out of the repair shop.
What I need to understand the realationship between the phono stage and the cartridge. Seems complex with talk about resistive and capacitance loading. Where does one go to learn about those topics? |
- 65 posts total