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In Reply to: RE: Budget Phono Preamps posted by s-a-k on August 27, 2016 at 16:55:13
Thanks. The Bellari seems to be the go to tubed budget model. However, for this application he is going to avoid tubes, since it is for an office environment. The little VP 29 solid state one for around 60 bucks looks like a bargain.
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glad I did. Going by user reports and comparisons, it was either Vista or Lounge, both $300. I hadn't heard either, but Vista has the flexibility I was looking for, and user reports has it beating $1K preamps.
This is a secondary phono for me, and I use it for loading evaluation as well as just listening. With plug in resistors for load and gain it reminds me of my AHT.
The standard configuration is 150pF and 47K. Resistors are put in parallel for load, and gain is from 40dB to 70dB. But you can order it however you want. I suggest 50pF for MMs and no native resistance. Then any value you plug in becomes the resistance. It comes with an assortment of Dale resistors, but upgrading them is worthwhile.
This thing is tiny - about 4 x 2.5". There is no ground lug. This bothered me at first, but hasn't been a problem. Either float the ground or connect it to a suitable ground. Either way I haven't had hum or buzz.
The sound is neutral with good detail. It doesn't have the finesse of the AHT, but acquits itself well.
neo
BIRD LIVES
Thanks very much. I have passed on all recommendations to my buddy. I will advise which way he goes.
Curious that the Vista has no ground lug. What would be the rationale behind that?
I think the concern is system grounding and possible unit failure. That's beside the fact that there doesn't seem to be room for it.
When people have a separate phono stage and get hum, they often try multiple schemes, including ground loops, to get rid of the noise. That's the best I can tell you, although it hasn't been a problem with a few different arm/carts.
BTW, it comes with a 12VAC wall wart - not as easy to replace as 12VDC, but seems to do well with the stock supply.
neo
BIRD LIVES
Interesting thanks. I know folks who have gone gray trying to tame turntable hum, even when properly grounded. It can be maddening.
I think many times it is the motor design.
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