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.
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? |
<sigh> Yes, I've received it; however, my system is down pending a cap upgrade to one of my amps. Also, I'm in the middle of a preamp change. My old BAT VK-52SE was having problems with its right channel. So, I'm replacing it with a BAT Rex which, because it's a two chassis design, requires me to find a place for it on my haphazard equipment stand (literally a bench and a 40-inch high table for the turntable). I'm out of space. Sadly, no tunes for me until those issues get sorted. . . I spend evenings transferring my old albums into new protective sleeves from Vinyl Storage Solutions (a satisfying task) as I wait for Fedex to deliver new records only to have them stack up unopened in a corner next to my what remains of system. So, to answer your question, I don't yet have a thought to share on the VK-P5.
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