Best budget $100 - 200 Phono Pre-amp?

I was wondering which of the "budget" phono pre-amps is best. I am considering the NAD, Pro-ject, Music Hall, Creek OBM8 or the Goldring. Any ideas?

vlad145604-15-2005 12:55am

bwyoung Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 140 posts 04-15-2005 at 05:14am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete After listening to NAD, Project, and Creek, the Rega fono was the best. Used = $180. Not easy to find though.
cableplex Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 40 posts 04-15-2005 at 06:01am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete spend an extra $25 and get an Antique Sound Labs Mini Phono. Excellent sounding, and a super bargain.
aroc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 760 posts 04-15-2005 at 12:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hagerman Bugle, although it is a DIY 1/2 KIT. About $100-125 for the 9V battery power. About $175 to build one with the 15V AC power supply. You'd think with parts cost alone you'd be ahead off all the commercial <$200 units and probably a lot of the <$500 ones as well. It's supposed to be in "Black Cube" territory from what I've read.
blkadr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 731 posts 04-15-2005 at 05:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Rotel RQ970BX. Positive reviews site surprisingly high quality parts and overachieving sound quality. It does sound better than anyone should expect for $200 retail.