Suggestions for phono pre-amp

Posted by Pacman (A) on September 13, 2006 at 19:23:51

Over the past few years I have tried to bring my vinyl performance up to the level of my SACD player. I'm still not there. Last year I replace my Rega P3 and Kontrapunkt b cartridge with a VPI Scoutmaster and Shelter 901. This year, it's time to look at the phono pre-amps. I am currently running the Monolith PS-1 with external power supply. I intend to spend around $2,000 and buy used on Audiogon so I should be able to get a pretty good piece of equipment - something $4000 or under new.

Here's the basic problem. When I upgraded to the Scoutmaster and Shelter 901 I got a lot of the low-level detail I was missing with the Rega and Ortofon. However, I also got a sound that is a bit hard edged at times, particularly with woodwinds. I do not get that with my SACD player, so it has to be my present cartridge-turntable-phono pre-amp combination. I'm looking for a phono pre-amp that will retain as much as the detail as possible but deliver a sound that is smoother and warmer. I may end up with tubes but I sure like the convenience and long life of solid state. I also would prefer not to have solder in new resistors everytime I decide to experiment with load resistance.

The most important issue, however, is to to solve my "system synergy" problem and get a phono pre-amp that acts in concert with my other components to deliver a smoother warmer sound.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My complete system is listed on AA.

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Topic - Suggestions for phono pre-amp - Pacman 19:23:51 09/13/06 (22)

Sutherland PhD (nt) - TWR 06:23:08 09/15/06 (0)

Thanks to everyone for their comments... - Pacman 18:35:54 09/14/06 (0)

Look for a used Herron - lanny 17:21:39 09/14/06 (0)

Art Audio Vinyl One is a very nice tube phono pre. - Terry P 13:27:56 09/14/06 (0)

About the 901 woodwind energy.... - tubesforever 10:02:03 09/14/06 (2)

VPI does not believe in anti-skate - Pacman 18:33:38 09/14/06 (0)

Jim, are you on the payroll at Grado? Never is there a post from you without the word "Grado". :-) (nt) - Garth 10:46:13 09/14/06 (0)

How did you determine that it is a phono preamp issue? - Ray-o-Stat 08:45:13 09/14/06 (3)

I wish it were that simple.... - Pacman 18:23:54 09/14/06 (0)

Ray's suggestions are excellent. Have you also tried - Terry P 13:25:11 09/14/06 (1)

Re: Ray's suggestions are excellent. Have you also tried - Pacman 18:46:35 09/14/06 (0)

Re: Suggestions for phono pre-amp - Shane From Aus 08:32:53 09/14/06 (0)

Herron has served me very well. - John N 08:18:04 09/14/06 (0)

See John Elison - F Robert Simms 06:53:44 09/14/06 (0)

Agree with Fred concerning tube reliability -i.e. don't - powermatic 04:52:08 09/14/06 (0)

Tube vs Solid State issues (Long) - Fred J 20:23:39 09/13/06 (6)

I think your term "mutt tubes" is going to stick Fred - Craiger56@aol.com 08:46:30 09/14/06 (1)

So Craig he is talking about mutt tubes and not mutt Tubes????? - tubesforever 10:05:13 09/14/06 (0)

There are good and bad of each type, reliable and unreliable too. - Garth 04:39:31 09/14/06 (3)

Solid State phono stages - Larry I 11:26:27 09/14/06 (2)

A Klyne or Pass with work with virtually any cartridge. - Garth 12:04:47 09/14/06 (1)

Thanks - Larry I 18:14:45 09/14/06 (0)

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