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Help me choosing Phono Preamp

Hi,

I need suggestion in choosing a quality phono stage (SS or tube, new/used) under $3000 to mate with Denon DL-103 cartridge. The cartridge has very low output voltage around 0.18mV. Few pre I considered are Manley Chinook, EAR 834P, Liberty B2B-1, and MF MX-VYNL. All of them seem to require a step up transformer to work with DL-103. I don't like the idea of outboard transformer, and also I want to keep number of boxes as minimum as possible. Is there any outstanding pre out there (full function or stand alone phono stage) with input sensitivity close to 0.15 V to work with DL-103 ? Other qualities of the preamp I am looking for are: utterly transparent, extreme resolution, but not lean/thin/weak in sound, MC and MM both options will be a plus . Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sunny

topmostaudio
aellis
8 posts
 
I have a Denon DL-103R cartridge that I have run with an ARC PH3 phono amp.  I have tried it with and without a Cinemag SUT and I actually prefer the sound without the SUT even though the PH3 only has 54 db of gain.  I found the sound to be edgy with the SUT and there was an annoying ground hum that was difficult to eliminate.

The ARC PH3 is a tube/SS hybrid that is quiet and has a neutral sound.  Soundstaging is also very good.  The turntable is a large plinth Lenco L75 and phono cables are Audience Au24Se low z.  The newer ARC phono stages are said to be even better.  If I were to replace my PH3 I would look for a used ARC PH5.
cougarbradley's avatar
cougarbradley
3 posts
 
I would highly suggest you check into the two offerings from Kevin Carter at K and K Audio.  These arfe under $3K  while his designs have included a world class 20K piece.  His work is all about the music.  I personally have one of his Phono stages and it is outstanding.  No problem with the DL 103.  He will amaze you with the service and direction to get exactly what you need.

Bradleycougar
jtsnead's avatar
jtsnead
136 posts
 
Lkv Research phono 2sb
kudlacek's avatar
kudlacek
20 posts
 
Pro-Ject Phono Box RS
http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=phonoboxrs
Gain, MM / MC RCA: 40, 50, 60 dB
XLR: 46, 56, 66 dB
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
Agree with the K&K. There are two models, the Maxxed-out and Trio. The Trio is available in kit form if desired. Both are designed around SUTs and therefore can handle the lowest of output MCs. No extra interconnects needed. Both utilize two inexpensive Russian tubes. I tried rolling some more expensive 7308s and found the stock tubes far better suprisingly enough. My Maxxed-out has 2 sets of gain switches internally and the load switch is on the back. There is a mute and polarity reversal switch on the front. Kevin is the best to work with. Rapid response anytime it seems.
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