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Phono Preamp Recommendation

I recently sold my ARC SP-16 and went to an LS-26 linestage. One goal of the upgrade was to improve my vinyl playback which was then suffering in comparison to my Esoteric X-03SE. Now it's time to add a phonostage and I could use some suggestions. Parameters: $2-3K, leaning toward solid state (lower noise, no tubes to swap), low profile (3" high or less). I doubt I'll need gain enough for really low output moving coils nor do I need tons of loading and capacitance adjustments, though some ability to adapt to different cartridges would be nice. Right now I'm running a Dynavector 20XM (medium output coil with 1mv output) in a VPI Scout. I don't see this as my last phonostage but rather one to take me a few years down the road until I can upgrade my table/arm/cartridge in a big way. Basically, I'd like to end up with vinyl playback as good (or better) than what I'm getting on the digital side right now. If I can do this for less than $2K great but I'll go to $3K if the jump in performance is appreciable. Bottom line: performance and reliability are key, features less so. Anything you might suggest should be as good or better than my fallback which is an ARC PH-5 (I know, tubes and taller than 3"!).

Thanks for your assistance.
dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm going to toss in a phono preamp that's so inexpensive that you'll probably dismiss it, but that'd be a mistake.

Heed Audio Quasar. $995 new.

I auditioned this against a Pass Labs Xono (another possibility in your price range), and preferred the modest Quasar.

Email me if you want the name of a dealer who will offer a home trial on the Heed or the Pass Labs.

BTW, I use a Dynavector XX MK II.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
03-05-09: Dodgealum
...in this economy I am going to lean toward established manufacturers who will (hopefully) still be around five years from now.

Based on that criteria, the only units on your list that I would consider would be the products from Pass Labs and Audio Research.

They are the safest choices.
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