Need advice on a good Phono preamp

Look at the Marchand in kit form or built which is said to be great. Also, the EAR 834 is a classic, but MC may be an issue. jallen

Try your best, maybe add something that you've allocated but go with Benz PP1. They will work like Bonny and Clyde:-)
The cheaper version but very well designed is Michell ISO(designed by Tom Evans) which sells used ~$300. The only inconvenience with this model that you'll have to solder a proper load resistance for your cartridge.

I tried the Nova Phenomena and the PS Audio but it just didn't have the warm sound I was looking for. Having heard all my records through a Conrade Johnson for many years and now using Rogue mono blocks, I was looking for something different. The George Wright P200 is a downright steal and a super bass sensitive tube phono amp. Not only did it have more slam, it was pretty darn quite too. It's a 2 part phono amp with separate power and output. I use Synergistic Research Looking glass out the output source. Separate balance controls so you can match it up with MM or MC cartridges and straight to your amp without running it through a preamp. Works great with my Project 9.

I agree with Zeal that the Wright P200 is an excellent unit, especially for the price. But you are going to have to look for a used one because George Wright passed away last month.

Jolida JD9 Tube phono pre-amp. Can accomodate both MC and MM cartridges, adjustable gain, and sounds gorgeous. 6moons highly rated! Saw one for sale here for $375