2. amps-preamps
  3. 1300912540

need advice for budget preamp for Rega p3-24...

Seeking advice regarding a budget (under $400, really; used or new) phono preamp for the following basic set-up:
Rega p3-24 turntable
Linn Classik integrated amp or Cambridge Audio 650 amp
Vienna Acoustics speakers (have Mozart Grand, and Haydn Grand)
audioquest cables

for analog-time, I'm all about acoustic jazz, esp piano and drums, and also some 70s rock. Play at lower volume.

I'm looking at, I guess:
Rega fono mini
Rega fono (non-mini; next step up)
Bellari v 129-30
Cambridge Audio 540p or 640p
and what else, in this meager price range?

I'd LOVE to have a $1000 or $4000 phono preamp, but that is not in the budget whatsoever and as a teacher, I don't get bonuses. Basically I want smoothness, warmth, soundstage, and darkness (duh).
paanders
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
If you can buy used off of the 'gon, my three favorites are:

Musical Fidelity X-LP V2 or V3

Creek OBH-8SE (not the regular OBH-8, ever)

Gram Slee Gram Amp 2SE

The Creek is a bit darker than the other two, the Graham is a bit lighter sounding, the MF splits the difference.
shay123
72 posts
 
Try the NAD PP-2. It accepts MC and MM cartridges and it is very quiet and very cheap. I think it sells for 149 dollars brand new and used it goes for about 70 dollars. That should help your budget.
paanders OP
43 posts
 
Oh, thanks, thanks, for these ideas. I will research them. I should note that the Rega p3-24 has a MM cartridge (elys 2; would possibly upgrade to exact later).

Any particular reasons why these recommended preamps hit the sweet spot at this (admittedly meager) price point?

I dream of tubey warmth but wonder if anything in this price range can really pull that off, despite the nice reviews of budget bellaris. I just don't want anything to add coldness (in the name of analytical precision) into this sound chain. I like to the woodiness of nice instruments, above all, and the resonance.
jerico
131 posts
 
PS Audio GCPH second hand - great for the price, and versatile.
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