2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
semi OP
646 posts
 
I am a big BAT tube amp fan, have owned many amps and BAT is really special. Listened to a 50SE once, don't remember much any more. Forum seems to have polarized view on BAT pre, maybe I need to get one to try in my own system. what will be a good model to try? 3iX or something higher? what about the older BAT like 3i or 31SE?

as for Rowland, I spoke to a couple owners and they thought Capri was average like most Rowland products, good look but average sound. I owned 8Ti HC once, even the old Pass X350 beats its pants off so I soon sold it.
rccc
216 posts
 
you might try the Doge 8 from pacific valve for $1350. Remote, balanced out, very good MM phono. Has embarrassed many amps costing many multiples of its price.
ikonetic
25 posts
 
I have a VK-30 with remote and phono, Rega p3 for a source. I really like the sound. That being said, it is one of the older models along with the 3i and doesn't have much of an upgrade path. If I were you I would try to find a 32 0r 32SE.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
329 posts
 
I guess you can get a used vk-31 + remote + phono card at the price.
I recently got vk-30 with phono card and vk-200, all at under $3000. The sound is amazing. (I have Tyler LSS speakers and Arcam CD23 cdp)
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