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Phono Amp recomendation

I am currently using an old Adcom GTP500 receiver as my preamp and phonostage for a MMF 2.2 turntable. It sounds "fine" to me, but I've heard that much improvement would be gained from a dedicated phono preamp. Need to stay in the $200-300 range unfortunately.

Side question, anyone had any luck with the herbie record mat?
dmloring
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
I wanted to grab the Bellari, but I heard from multiple audio stores that the amp will hum where I live.
mikie
24 posts
 
If U can locate a used XR2 via (RSA) Ray Samuals Audio, no hum, musical bliss. U'll never look back
dunkmeister
52 posts
 
A number of suggestions - on the new side I agree with the recommendation of the Cambridge 640 p. You might also try the NAD PP-2 or PP-3. On the used side you could try Acurus p-10 or if you want a something on the tube side the Jolida 9.
clio09
3,343 posts
 
I just purchased the Vista Audio Phono-1 on a whim. For $350 it is quite good. Doesn't have the loading options one might like, but Boris can set it up for you based on your cartridge specs and gain requirements. Good discussion on the product over at Audio Circle and you can see the ad here:

Vista Audio
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
thanks everyone. that vista looks interesting. i think i can demo the cambridge 640 at my local audio store, so i might do that. Trying to decide right now whether to spend my last $$ on the phone amp, or spend it on a herbie record mat that i've heard good things about and on some record cleaning equipment. decisions...
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