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.
Tube Preamp with Full Featured Phono (both MM and LOMC with loading options).
My friend has very little room in one of his systems he wants to upgrade, so a single Preamp with Full Featured Phono built in is advantageous to him.
No Tape, Streaming, DAC needed, so not too many inputs, no XLR needed. Has two TT now, with external switcher to his existing Preamp, that's ok, but two Phono Inputs would be advantageous.
I'm gonna start looking, used is fine, budget 1,500 to 2,500 USD (stretch to 2,700 if just a few hundred more gets a great find).
Remote Volume and Mute would be nice, but not that important in that system. Usually, a Remote gets you a newer used item. I'm not living with remote volume, balance, mute. He could find room for the Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller he has heard here many times.
That opens the door to Full Featured Vintage Tube Preamps, but that is usually only MM Phono needing an external SUT, costing more, and taking more space. I showed him my FRT-4 SUT which fits under my Turntable, he could do that.
Lots of options, his preference is a single Tube Preamp with Full Featured Phono for both MM and LOMC.
Whew!
Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance
Elliott
- ...
- 57 posts total
- 57 posts total