Phono Pre-amp for non-vinyl guy.


I’m not really into vinyl. But, I have an old direct drive Sony PS-T2 turntable with a Grado cartridge of some sort and 20-30 vinyl albums. I will occasionally buy new vinyl from new or emerging artists. Not really into vintage vinyl except what I have left from the 80s and 90s. My current phono pre is an ART DJ Pre II. And while I know nothing about vinyl hi-fi I am under the impression that this current phono pre sucks. It just sounds kind of flat and seems to be lacking at the high end. I have to turn the gain all the way up to get much out of it. I know it is not on the same level of my current system:

Audio Research LS-16 tube preamp.

Madrigal Proceed HPA2 (Levinson) amplifier

Aerial Acoustics 7B tower speakers

Transparent Audio Cables all around

To be clear, I am not looking for a phono preamp on the same level as the rest of the system nor I am I looking to buy a new turn table.

So my question is, what reasonably priced phono pre would be a decent step up from the ART DJ I currently have. I’d probably buy used.

Wondering about the Schiit Mani, the various Fosi models, Cambridge Audio Alva Solo and NAD PP2e.

n80

@n80 - give Fluance a try

It’s very affordable and provides very good performance

I bought a Fluance TT and this Phono stage.

They perform exeptionally well for their budget price

Don't be put off by it's "budget appearance". What's inside the box is exceptional

I’ve had a few phono stages over the years and this one gave all but one of them a run for their money. It’s very quiet!

I would also recommend this cartridge - it punches way above its price point and works very well with the phono stage. It will make you love your vinyl all over again

Regards - Steve

KC Vibe mkii pops up used around $500.  Nice preamp, quiet and sounds good.