Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum


Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

phono preamp suggestion

155.138.248.167

Posted on March 27, 2015 at 06:40:08
icho
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Michigan
Joined: February 6, 2015
Hope this is a right place to ask.
I've seen a few phono preamp (stage?) that supports two inputs for two turntables. Any recommendation for a new one at around $1000 or used at around $500?

Thanks in advance.
ilhyung

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 27, 2015 at 08:42:19
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
Does it HAVE to support 2 sets of phono inputs? You seriously limit your choices with that requirement.

You might have better luck posting this question in the Vinyl section of the Asylum.

I know of a couple phono preamps that support two or more turntables but they're rather expensive. I'm thinking Aesthetix Rhea, Musical Surroundings Super Nova II, Herron VTPH-2 (independent MM & MC inputs, switchable), Rega Aria (independent MM & MC inputs, switchable. $1500).

I'm sure there are others but these come to mind.

 

What Abe said, posted on March 27, 2015 at 08:57:40
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
I'd just plug in what you need when you need it. Finding a phono stage w/two inputs eliminates over 95% of stages, maybe 98-99.

E
T


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 27, 2015 at 09:34:31
icho
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Michigan
Joined: February 6, 2015
Thanks for replies.
I have three turntables. I want to keep all three: one for mono, one for MC (with SUT), and one for MM cartridges. I've been changing cables whenever I switch to another turntable, and it is quite cumbersome since I need to reach to the back of the preamp.
I thought about having separate phono preamps (each at around $500), but they might take too much space, but it may be far less sound than having one preamp at $1500. That is why I am thinking of having a phono preamp with two (or even three) inputs if it is cheaper than to by three. However, it looks like I don't save any money by doing it, and my choice is severely limited.
Maybe I'd better spend the money for one good preamp and switch cables whenever I need to.
ilhyung

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 27, 2015 at 09:46:30
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15153
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
Agree, that switching cables gets to be old hat after a short while.

I suggest buying a less expensive unit for the mono LPs, but what do I know about playing mono LPs??

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 27, 2015 at 20:35:43
Mr Peabody
Audiophile

Posts: 1109
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Joined: August 14, 2010
What about a quality switch box/selector? You would need at least 3 inputs and one out, then you could buy a higher quality phono stage. Sorry, I don't know of any switchers off hand. I believe Bryston and Adcom made some type but I can't remember if they were line level or speaker selectors.

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 28, 2015 at 06:51:32
Les Anderson
Audiophile

Posts: 1094
Location: So. Florida
Joined: May 12, 2003
You have 3 turntables and you are worried about the space of having 3 phono pres? I guess rack space does come stay premium.

I would keep in mind that many units will have separate mm/mc facilities, it is finding one that actually allows both to be active simultaneously where it gets tricky.

Flipping a switch between mm and mc is better than swapping rcas.

 

Three way selector box, posted on March 28, 2015 at 07:39:14
jsm71
Audiophile

Posts: 1123
Location: Cincinnati OH
Joined: June 16, 2011
Sometimes simple is all you need if its well made. Check out the link for a selector box. Graham Slee makes a couple of well reviewed MM phono preamps in your range.

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 28, 2015 at 08:58:54
icho
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Michigan
Joined: February 6, 2015
I did not think about it.
It would be a better solution. I will look for one.
thx
ilhyung

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 28, 2015 at 09:02:15
icho
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Michigan
Joined: February 6, 2015
The space is already crammed up with those three tables, and there is no more space available now unless I have a new rack. Also, if one unit with multiple input is cheaper than multiple units, then I would go for that route.
thx
ilhyung

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 28, 2015 at 09:11:21
Les Anderson
Audiophile

Posts: 1094
Location: So. Florida
Joined: May 12, 2003
Rega Aria is $1500 but switchable from front panel between mm and mc. Cambridge audio, musical fidelity have much lower priced units switchable on the rear.

I honestly think that the Cambridge 640p is exceptional and dirt cheap. It has been replaced by a 650 series unit, haven't heard it yet.

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 28, 2015 at 18:59:19
Ol Ken
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Location: Ingleside, Ontario
Joined: May 28, 2004
I have the LP2.5 Du it works great.

http://www.jasmineaudio.net/

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 29, 2015 at 19:19:27
muser
Reviewer

Posts: 264
Location: CA
Joined: March 29, 2005
Mr. Peabody:
Thanks for the pointer, checked them out and both Adcom and Bryston offer speaker switches. Manley made and is making again the Skipjack which allows you to switch sources. I would think it would work with a phono stage. Downside is the Skipjack is back in the market for $1,650! OUCH.

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on March 29, 2015 at 20:18:45
Mr Peabody
Audiophile

Posts: 1109
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Joined: August 14, 2010
$1600.00 is crazy. May not be the highest quality but check Monoprice. You could always experiment to hear if any degradation happens through the switcher. These are the types of things Radio Shack used to be good for :).

 

RE: phono preamp suggestion, posted on April 7, 2015 at 07:29:00
icho
Audiophile

Posts: 15
Location: Michigan
Joined: February 6, 2015
I decided to go for Magi Phonomenal Tube Phono Stage.
http://www.panjo.com/buy/magi-phonomenal-tube-phono-stage-172685

I've looked at and tried some units with MM/MC, but their MC did not sound good compared to MM and separate SUT.
This Magi has two MM inputs and they can be switched. So, I can use one MM for MM cartridges and another MM with an SUT for MC cartridges.
According to the maker, there are about 60~70 units made over the last 6~7 years, so not many. But the feedback seems to be very good.
The price is a bit on high side ($1000 with shipping) for me, and it takes about 3 weeks to make it, but at least for now it looks to be an ideal unit for me.

Many thanks for your input.

ilhyung

 

Page processed in 0.026 seconds.