Best Phono Pre-amp..for the money?

Hi,

I have heard nothing but raves about the Lehman Black cube phono stage. From what I gathered its about impossible to beat for the price and is sold for very reasonable prices here used. I saw one not long ago, but did not have the chance that day to hear it so I cannot say personally if it sounds good or not. I feel given its present reputation I would choose it over the Creek without reservation. Just my two cents - Good luck.

Chris

I've been using a Lehmann Audio Black Cube for about a year and have very pleased with it. At used prices ($350-450), it's very hard to beat. There are some other models out there, however, that better it. Camelot Technology, for example, has a battery-powered phono preamp that sells for around $1000 that has gotten glowing reviews. The question I'd ask you: how much do you want to spend? If you are willing to spend $1000, there are several models that will beat the Black Cube, but if you want to stay under $500, I think the Black Cube is your best choice.

After I made my last post, another idea hit me. If you want to spend VERY little money for a very good phono preamp, you might consider buying a used Adcom GFP-565 preamp. It had one of the best phono stages available, and you can buy it used for under $300. (Infact, there is one listed now on Audiogon.) I owned the 565 for about 5 years, and thought it did a terrific job with my phono cartridge and other analog inputs.

There's a DIY kit in www.tnt-audio.com that is reputed to blow away the Lehman. Worth taking a look.