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Pre + phono under $2500?

this will be used in 2nd system.

have Nottingham Hyperspace + 12" Anna arm as source, have several cartridges to pair with this rig and all are low output MC. currently have a PS Audio GCPH with PCX mod, it's quite good though I prefer tube. haven't decided on amp yet though most likely will be a tube, speakers will be Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento unless wife makes me sell them to free up cash and I will go for Merlin VSM-MX or Usher BE-718.

I had Atma Sphere MP-3 before, I was very impressed with the sound but it lack remote.

I had Audible Illusions 3A before, maybe it was the tubes I didn't get too excited.

prefer one box solution, but open to pre + phono and will love to have remote & XLR out so I can run long IC.

what else is out there that matchs Atma Sphere MP-3 in sound?
semi
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
IF you can do without the remote... There are/were two Audio Research SP-15 preamps for sale here now. (I already own one. and it is NOT one of the ones for sale.) the asking prices listed are a bit high. I would say you should be able to get one for $1,750. tops. (it was $6K new in 1988 through 1994... about 20 years ago.)
The Sp-15 has a built in 3 tube phono section. the rest of the pre is solid state. One thing about the SP-15 is it sounds best if the volume control is in the top 30% of the range. IT has a separate gain reduction control.. Just the sound you asked for.. but! no remote. It has only single ended inputs, but does have balanced outputs as well as single ended.
semi OP
646 posts
 
I am sure ARC SP-15 is a very fine sounding piece, but part of the reason I sold off Atma Sphere MP3 was lack of remote. Also, I will prefer an all tube pre intsead of solid state or hybrid unit.

I think I will have to go with a separate phono stage to find my tube pre with remote and XLR out.
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
When you say transparent, it could be other things, usually speakers and cables have a lot to do with transparency. I heard the Harbeths hooked up to McIntosh gear and it is close to the most transparent sound I have ever heard
ikonetic
25 posts
 
A couple of the Bat pre's have remotes and phono sections and can be had used for under 2500.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
If solid state is an option, Jeff Rowland Capri. XLR and RCA in/out, remote, and a very underrated phono stage.
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