Phono pre recommendations for Technics SL1210M5G

Presently, I use a .25mV (low output) cartridge with the Heed Quasar.

The Heed Quasar was recommended by Audiofeil International, and I
auditioned it through Blackbird Audio Gallery, which was my most local Heed
dealer. I'm certain either of these gentlemen can point you in the direction of
a dealer who could provide a unit for audition.

I enjoy
Bozak CMA 10 DL
Urei 1620
Monolithic

Msq - thanks for the input. I'll have to check out your components to identify the phono-pre you use - don't recognize the brands apart from Bozak.

Recently I DIYed a vacuum tube preamp using John Broskie's Tetra phono stage and his Aikido line stage. The tubes I'm using for the phono stage are Telefunken 12AX7 and Amperex 12AT7 (D-getter) while the line stage uses Amperex Bugle Boy 12AU7s. The gain, in this configuration, for the phono stage is 43dB which is OK for an MM cartridge. In addition to upgraded capacitors for the boards, I also used high quality internal wiring and other components so the price of the final product is a little higher than the base kit. I am VERY satisfied with its performance (and it was great learning experience building it). More recently I built a Bob Latino ST-120 vacuum tube kit amplifier which has taken the performance of my system even higher.

I use a Zupreme headshell and an Audio Technica 150MLX cartridge on my modified Technics SL1200MkII. I will soon be fitting a KAB Cardas-rewired arm assembly with Audio Sensibility interconnects.

Thanks, Kencalgary. Pardon the delay replying. I haven't checked the thread in a while. Unfortunately, I think DIY is beyond me. I tend to end up welding rather than soldering...generally not good for heat sensitive components. Still running the Lehman Black Cube. Have to say after a lengthy break-in, vinyl with the KAB Stanton is sounding very enjoyable.