Darlington Labs
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.
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- 14 posts total
@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 |
- 14 posts total

