I need an economical but good phono preamp?

thorens makes an inexpensive phono pre....a good one too...google.

I recently picked up a Musical Fidelity X-LPS and am very impressed. I paid <$200, and have seen several sell for under that value. I've tried other <$200 phono and none compare.

Even though I suggested the Cambridge, I would second an X-LP if you are buying used. Having owned both, I think that one, or the other, will have more appeal, however. The X-LP is richer, more liquid, softer and nicely dimensional. The 640P is a bit sharper, with better defined leading edges and attack, a bit thiner, yet a bit more focused. Funny enough, the biggest problem with either one seems to be a less than developed deep bass. I suppose that you have to pay a bit more for that. I liked the Gram Slee Gram Amp 2SE as well, if you don't care about MC.

I'm suggesting to hunt some studio vintage preamp on ebay:
QRK Ultimate, better Shure se22 (Urei 1122) or event better Shure se20.

STAY AWAY FROM THE 640P PLEASE!!!

see my thread named Phono Pre Amp?

11-06-08: Thegoldenear
OK!

Thanks for your suggestions and I did purchase the 640p and the p must stand for Piece. The build quality is terrible and had nothing but hum after i hooked it up.

anyway it is on its way back from where it came from.

back to that drawing board and thats what i get for being cheap and trying to hide it from the wife. LOL

and again thank you!

I recently bought the music hall pa 1.2 for 130 brand new and its awesome better than the nad i had.

Thanks kevin