1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 136804-10

Great Value in Used Phono Preamp’s?

Hey, Folks!I am looking to increase the quality of my phono stage. For many years, I have been using a Bottlehead Seduction that I assembled myself. It’s been great, but  having spent some time with a borrowed, integrated amp with a really wonderful phono stage built-in, I think I’m ready to upgrade.What would you be looking for, used, in the $500 range in a used phono preamp? Thanks in advance!
rebbi
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
@roberjerman 
 Right now there’s a guy selling one of those right here. He wants $929 for a unit with leaking capacitors and a rusty transformer! 😬
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
Try a Dynavector P75 mk3
Now the mk4 is out the mk3 can be picked up for around 400 to 500 used and it is a very powerful and flexible little phono amp.
Not tube but does match very well with Dynavector carts if you happen to have one.
I used one quite happily for some time before spending even more....lol 
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Too much money for that particular C7! I have seen them selling for $350 - 500 in very good to excellent condition. Wish I still had mine! Bruce Moore made a phono stage version of his Paragon 12 called the Paragon E. Might be worth pursuing!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Forget the Dynavector P75! Stick to tubes for the authentic musical sound! At the same time I had the C7 I also had the PS Audio PSIII phono stage. After comparing the two, I sold the PSIII. It sounded excellent but up against the cascode tube circuit of the C7 - no contest!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
A nicely modded Dynaco PAS 3 is still competitive with today's pricier gear! I own one made by DKL Labs. Now rare - and a keeper!
More to discover