Tube Preamp with Full Featured Phono (both MM and LOMC with loading options).

Thanks for the ideas

I went thru hifishark, took quite a while, but I like learning about tube preamps

Here’s what I found on hifishark, in descending price

Rogue RP-5 Tube/Hybrid Preamp with full featured MM/MC Phono

 

Internal dip switches for 30-50-75-100-230-300-1000-47k ohms resistance settings. 

 

Your nova, 38 ohm coil,  ideally wants to see 380 ohms, but that stays upstairs, just make sure any new cartridge, internal impedance of it's coil ____ x 10 = _____ is covered.

 

Remote uniquely has volume/balance/mute/ ....

 

a bit over your budget, 2,700 it's been listed for 88 days, he might accept an offer.

 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650274480-rogue-audio-rp-5-tube-hybrid-preamp-with-factory-upgrades/images/5976691/

 

https://rogueaudio.com/manuals/RP-5%20combined%203-22.pdf

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Here's a Luxman CL-35 asking 1,700., 

 

old, restored, you change the little transformers in the back, left side, for your particular MC cartridge, not very flexible, no remote ....

 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650277114-luxman-cl35-mkiii/

 

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VTL TL-5.5, 1,00 + sip and tax ...

 

https://www.vtl.com/products/preamplifiers/tl-5-5-series-ii-signature-preamplifier/

 

has remote, seems you can buy and add a nice phono card for both MM and MC, ask VTL about that first.

 

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Van Alstine Fet Valve CFR preamplifier, 1,650,\

 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650293377-van-alstine-fet-valve-all-tube-preamp/ 

 

no phono but phono is +379. option when ordering new.

https://avahifi.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/fet-valve-cfr-preamplifier?variant=5706110992414

 

 

I called, left a message, can it be added in the field, or must it go back to the factory?

 

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ROGUE AUDIO RP-1 Tube Preamp/phono, 1.500

phono same as the RP-5 above for 2,700

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VINCENT SA- T7 TUBE PRE AMP , German made, 1,500

 

no phono, need to add sep phono for both MM and MC

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/277771580933?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=bb30f786-1a4c-11f1-88de-313333626662

 

review 

"Summary

No matter the genre or medium, the Vincent SA-T7 MK Tube Stereo Preamplifier (USD 3500) is an excellent partner and now adds Bluetooth streaming for a full-function component. German engineering and manufacture, lovely sound at a reasonable price. As such, it should be on all your audition lists if you’re looking for a sub-$5000 preamplifier."

 

from AI (verify) (has remote, DAC, Bluetooth

 

"SA-T7 MK

• Tubes: Uses 6SCH9P and 6SCH51P (NOS) tubes, with one 85A2 tube. 
• Features: Includes a built-in PCM 5102-based DAC (24-bit/192 kHz), Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple analog/digital inputs (6x RCA, 1x Optical, 1x Coaxial). 
• Outputs: 2x RCA pre-outs, 1x RCA record out, and 2x 3.5 mm power control jacks. 
• Price: $3,499 (compared to $3,995 for the Diamond edition).

Key Features Across Models

• Vimala Power Supply Coupling: A proprietary module named after the Sanskrit word for "pure, transparent, clear," ensuring ultra-low noise and high purity in signal transmission. 
• Tone Controls: Adjustable treble and bass with a bypass option for pure signal path. 
• Output Options: 50-ohm or 600-ohm output impedance selection for optimal cable matching.
• Remote Control: Includes a slim, functional remote for input selection, volume, and mute.
• No Headphone Output or Home Theater Bypass: Requires an external headphone amp or separate system integration. "

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Conrad Johnson PV8, MM & HOMC Phono Only, 1,200, (add SUT for LOMC)

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/376635695233?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=11c32194-1a4f-11f1-a959-346161666461

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another Luxman CL35II, 1,200

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/376996765201?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=3f8ad706-1a50-11f1-b7ea-313333626662

 

at transformers in the rear sockets for a specific MC. two phono input, either two MM or 1 MM and 1 MC

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Melos 900. (my friend Arne had one for years), internal switches for MM and MC

Arne might sell his, he will think about it.

 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649833487-melos-ma222b-tube-preamp/

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this Melos, 1,200 says MM/MC Phono, must be internal jumpers, either MM or LOMC, only one phono in

 

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649495011-melos-ma-222-tube-preamplifier/

 

Elliot, You asked the question.  Not much need to tell us the answers that you ferreted out, but interesting nonetheless.  A word of caution re Melos. They are prone to break and the business went under due to malfeasance some years ago. Since they’re like any other preamp, a mix of the usual parts, I assume someone out there can fix them, but maybe it would be wise to locate a repair person before purchase of a unit. I guess your friend is either fortunate or knowledgeable enough to do his own repairs.

Rogue RP-1, RP-5 

I had both. You need to spend $1000 on an outboard phono stage to beat the built in section in rogue. 

@lewm 

I always assume others are following and might benefit, and comments from members about what I found are welcome.

I was never impressed with my friends Melos, the switches seemed very lightweight, flimsy. I think originally he liked that it was local NJ but he hasn't used it in years.

@audiophile. 

thanks for your knowledge, I've never seen or heard a Rogue.