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Tried a NAD PP-2, was ok, but didn't thrill me. Any other recommendations like a Creek OBH-8, ASL Mini Phono etc? Looking for something under $200 used,; limited budget, I know...
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I can reccomend the McCormack Micro Phono Drive. They appear on audiogon periodically--$200 would be about right I think. NOS goes for $600.00. I like mine better than NAD pp2, and the Grado, and even the on board phono stage on my Tandberg 3012 int. amp which is pretty darn good.The McCormack is v. musical w/o being muddy. I found the Grado to be too mushy with my system. What is also nice is that you can upgrade the McCormack when and if that seems desirable. I have heard that the upgrade really is a great improvement.
I've run quite a few sub-$500 "budget" stages over the years (NAD, Creek, CI-Audio, Music Hall, Pro-Ject, Dynavector, Musical Fidelity, etc.) and this is one impressive stage for $175 shipped.Class "A" discrete gain stages (not op-amps), passive RIAA eq, impressive build quality, defeatable sub-sonic filter - can't ask for more at this price.
Take a look at the link below - it's the place I purchased mine (Spearit Sound) and I'd highly recommend them. They've got some pictures of the guts - very well laid out and fantastic build quality for the money.
Do NOT cheap out and buy the 540P - I've heard it and wasn't impressed. Take a look at the pics and you'll see that there's a massive difference between it and the 640P.
If you can go $300, the CI-Audio VPP-1 is great too but I don't think it's worth the extra $125 over the 640P. The VPP-1 has a tad more bass authority and more adjustability but that's about it.
I love mine. And really, that is about the most cake project you will ever have the opportunity to do if DIY interests you at all.
Dave's recommendation on the Creek is good. If you only want to do MM carts, the Bellari tube phono pre is $200, new.
Henry
I have read a lot of members recommend the Bugle. Do you build this from scratch with just a circuit diagram or do you buy this as a kit and then assemble it yourself. If the latter, where can one buy the kit? Thanks, Jess
From the link below: "You can order the Bugle as a half-kit or fully assembled and tested. The half-kit consists of only the blank circuit board and plans, you'll need to buy the rest of the parts yourself from DigiKey."
If you can get the original Lehman Black Cube at that price (which you should be able to do; I sold mine at that price in a break-even deal), I would recommend it. I've had the Creek OBH-8SE and the Black Cube is far superior.In addition, the Creeks are very vulnerable to radio frequency interference, so if you're anywhere near a commercial broadcast antenna, avoid these units.
You could look at the DB Systems new at that price. I've been very happy with mine.
I've used most of the under $200 phono preamps: Parasound, NAD, Music Hall. I think the Creek OB-H8 is head and shoulders above the rest. They sometimes sell cheap on Audiogon...keep watch.
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