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
Audio Research SP10 can be found in your price range, if you are patient. 2 phono stages, with variable impedance. Quiet, reliable, wide, deep, 3d soundstage. NO remote. Phono stage is excellent, and one would have to upgrade to something like a Luxman EQ500 to experience noticeably better reproduction. AI M3b is the latest model of this classic preamp. Dead quiet- I've used ss equipment that had a higher noise floor. Excellent soundstage. 1 phono input however. |
I thank everyone for their input, it's fun for me to check out favored equipment. that is certainly a beauty, but it's onlt phono, no line inputs, and not compact.
my friend has an AR Preamp, looks like SP10, but not sure which model, it sounds terrific, two problems, price above budget, and fairly large compared to many others. I want remote, my friend doesn't care so that's not an issue. |
Correction, he has 4 systems, and two turntables in the attic (Technics) (single VPI in main listening system), one dedicated to Mono. He’s on overload, but I think he has a desk in the attic, and listens to LPs while he works, and ready to try MC up there, but not sure which, possibly have VAS build him one. Steve is currently cleaning two of his cartridges, we will listen to Steve’s MC suggestions on his system when we pick them up. I think we have given him enough options in his budget. btw, we all use VAS, 35 minutes from me. He takes his 2 Technics to Kevin of KAB who lives in walking distance from me, and easy driving distance from my friend. Another friend here in town has the vintage SP15 with the EPA-B500 Base which I installed for him, and highly recommend. They both speak very highly of both Kevin and Steve as do I, and Ray, Steve's son. It's wonderful to see Father and Son working together, knowing Ray will keep it going another generation. I worry how he's going to meet a good woman holed up in his windowless shop! |
elliottbnewcombjr6,953 posts That ModWright seems like a winner https://www.modwright.com/products/ls-100-tube-preamp/ "Remote Control Functions Include:
Preamp Functions Include:
LS 100 Tube PHONO OPTION:
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