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

 

elliottbnewcombjr

@lewm 

Original Post

"Has two TT now, with external switcher to his existing Preamp, that’s ok, but two Phono Inputs would be advantageous."

Nothing is fixed in stone, it’s his 3rd system, so a great deal on a highly respected unit, with only 1 MM will work, not his ideal but, I sent him a separate collection of a few SUTs like mine with several inputs that he could put under a TT like I did. That solves his space issue, but not the best for budget.

Its not easy to see, but thru the removable armboard hole in the plinth, you are seeing the top of my SUT (black metal) and a glimpse of the 3 pairs of rca’s plugged into it’s back. It faces the side, has about 1mm of height clearance, I reach in and turn the knobs a,b,c .... and pick Pass or one of 4 optional x-factors/resultant impedances.

No hum even in that near proximity.

 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

I use an icon Audio PS1 MKII Signature that uses a separate tube power supply and choke filtering. The input stage has built-in SUTs passive RIAA with Genelex Gold Lion 12ax7LPS/B759 tubes in the gain and output stages. It also uses Teflon coated silver plated copper hook up wire throughout with Mundorf silver, gold and oil coupling caps, high quality close tolerance resistors etc. Build, fit and finish are exemplary.

The MC and MM inputs are fixed at 100pF, 100ohm and 47Khz, 220pF respectively. There is a PS3 that probably has all the adjustability you require, however. Here's a link if you want to investigate further https://www.audioarcan.com/.

my error,

"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."

I meant I'm not living WITHOUT Remote volume, BALANCE, mute

@audphile1 

I found a Rogue RP-1 for $1,550 delivered, add tax

 

Remote uniquely has volume/balance/mute/ ....
it is full featured, many loading options,
 

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

 

thom moon review of RP-1 (in 2016)

 

https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/748-rogue-audio-rp-1-preamplifier

 

"As noted above, Rogue included a phono stage in the RP-1, and I was anxious to check it out. It was a revelation! The Rogue RP-1 had the quietest phono section I’ve ever heard. Even with the preamp cranked up with no signal, there was virtually no hiss or hum from my speakers."

 

"Conclusion

After intensive listening over an extended period, I can unequivocally say that Rogue Audio’s RP-1 is the best preamplifier I’ve ever reviewed. Its phono stage is to die for -- it may be the one I’ve lusted for all my life!"


 

 

@elliottbnewcombjr it should be $1,000 plus shipping. At most $1200 all in. 
I would also advise buying from USAM or here as opposed to eBay. TMR is a great option as well. You will pay for convenience and ability to return (albeit at 5% fee)

here’s RP-5 on TMR

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/rogue-audio-rp-5-stereo-tube-preamplifier/