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

alex_yakovlev Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 102 posts 04-15-2005 at 06:10pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Vlad1456, are you DIYer? $200 buys you all the parts necessary to build EAR834 clone. If you are not, then look into used ones. B&K Phono 10 is not bad.
viridian Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,184 posts 04-15-2005 at 09:39pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hmm, I have owned a few of the above and would like to foreward a Musical Fidelity X-LP or X-LP2. Very smooth and dynamic. I like it better than the Black Cube. Additionally, it can be upgraded with a bigger outboard power supply.
nrenter Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 691 posts 04-16-2005 at 02:46am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Stay away from the Rotel RQ970BX. This was my first phono stage and I found it to be noisy and lacking of detail. I agree with Viridian - find a used Musical Fidelity X-LPS or X-LP2. I had an X-LPS and, for the money, thought it was great.
tentimestwenty Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1 posts 04-21-2005 at 02:19am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Rega Fono, hands down.
dsockel Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 35 posts 04-21-2005 at 03:38pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Special Edition $199 right now on the 'Gon. Have heard/read very good things about it. Lists for $350 or so.