2. analog
  3. 1226290715

I need an economical but good phono preamp?

I have a Thorens 145 TT with Nagaoka MP11 cartridge, HarmonKardon DPR 2005 HT Receiver and JPW loudspeakers. I had a cheap phono preamp from Radio Shack but there is a very loud (annoying) hum. I ran my ipod through the preamp and still had the hum so I don't think it is the turntable.
Can anyone advise on an affordable (<$200), yet respectable phono preamp?
kmaclac
oilmanmojo
468 posts
 
Rotel makes a entry level phono stage that should meet your requirements. It is not on par with the best but its performance is solid. It does not work well with the very lo output MC cartridges but .24 and higher works well. price is about 150 dollars
dmagalhaes
5 posts
 
You can always pick up an Advent Model 300 Receiver. The phono section is nothing short of outstanding and you have a full preamp section as a backup. It's a saving grace for me right now since my PV-7 is at conrad johnson having the PS rebuilt.
polk432
1,116 posts
 
Carver C-1 MM and MC. Used.
jim_liedeka
2 posts
 
I use a Cambridge Audio 640P with a Grado Sonata cart. It sounds really good to me. It's dead quiet and doesn't appear to color the sound. I may change my mind when I get more resolving speakers but it suits me for now.
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
11-21-08: Jim_liedeka
I use a Cambridge Audio 640P with a Grado Sonata cart. It sounds really good to me. It's dead quiet and doesn't appear to color the sound. I may change my mind when I get more resolving speakers but it suits me for now.
Getting a Cambridge 640P prompted me to get a more resolving cartridge AND speakers, and every upgrade has simply shown me how clean, quiet, and musical this phono unit is.

I went from a 2004 closeout Mirage Omnisat sat/sub system to a brand new pair of Mirage OMD-15 full range floorstanders. I also upgraded the amplification chain. The Cambridge did not disappoint as the resolution of its surrounding components improved.
More to discover