Phono stage with gain control?

Ed_sawyer, I read that the WPP100C was inherently noisy due to the tubes used, which prompted the design of the quieter WPP200C. Never heard both. I own the WPP200C, and it's fine for my purposes.

I suppose a call to George would provide the definitive answer.

Tvad, how does the WPP200C compare to the Lehmann Black Cube? If I remember correctly from other forums, you have one.

Ed, do you own the WPP100C? If so, what's your impression? I just picked one up and am waiting for it to arrive.

-Mark

I own the GCPH and it doesn't quite have enough gain for my .5mv cart.

I run it direct balanced to my amps (balanced is 3db higher than the unbalanced out) and I still would like it a bit louder.

But if you have either a higher output cart, or are willing to get a transfomer step up, then the GCPH is for you. Modded it supposedly is on par with $3000 units. I compared it n a home demo against the new phono stage I eventually ordered (the Tron Seven phono pre @$4000) and you know what, the GCPH wasn't embarassed at all. For it's price and settings and convenience it's a fantastic piece for driving amps direct, as long as you have a higher output cart or step up.

I agree with Tvad that the WPP200C is the way to go. I had both the WPP100C and the WPP200C at the same time. I, as well as others, whose opinions I trust found the WPP200C to be quieter and more involving with a bit better dynamics. These were compared side by side in my system with nothing changed but the phono preamp. There are lots of 6ER5s around. They are a very linear tube, used in UHF TV tuners. Sad thing is, they are a little noisy. I tried a number of different 6ER5s just to be sure. I kept the WPP200C and have no plans to change. Mind you, this was mine and others' opinion in my system only.

Mingles, I cannot offer a quality comparison because I used the two phono pres only a short time with the same table/cart, but overall, I can say the Lehmann was a strong performer. I'd not hesitate to own another. The Lehmann was quieter. The Wright has a bit more "life" in the music provided by the tubes, but the diference is not night and day. Of course, because of the availability of tube swapping, the sound of the Wright can be tailored whereas he Lehmann's cannot.

I also like the dual gain controls of the Wright.