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Looking for a good budget Phono Pre-Amp or comparable upgrades

post #1 of 4
12/28/11 at 1:18pm
Thread Starter 

My current setup:

 

Pro-Ject Debut iii (w/ stock OM5e cartridge)

TX-8255 50W amp

Polk Audio RTi4 bookshelf speakers

Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 w/ WE396A tube

 

Looking to put in a high quality (but budget friendly) phono preamp as I am not overly impressed with the phono input on the TX-8255...

 

Have seen great things about the Bellari VP130, but people say the wall wart power adapter is problematic.  I have seen much talk about the problems with the wall wart but each link I have clicked to see the solution has been dead.  So, if I go for the VP130, does anyone have any experience with it and know a good, easy upgrade for the power problem (and possibly some suggestions for Tube upgrades...), OR-- any other phono preamp in that price range that is superior to the VP130?

 

OR-- should I get the Pro-Ject Speedbox?  Or updade my speakers to the PSB Image B6's?  I have lots of crazy questions-- basically at this point I want to make the next logical step in upgrades and get the most bang for my bucks.  Willing to spend about $600 in total upgrades at this point.  Cartridge upgrade?  2M blue or red? GAH!  too many options

 

Thanks for any and all help, it's much appreciated!

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post #2 of 4
12/29/11 at 7:15am

I've been looking at phono pre-amps for quite awhile now and narrowed my choices down to the following:

 

1. Cambridge 640P ($180)

2. Jolida JD9 ($499)

 

I've read great reviews about both - now just trying to decide if the Jolida is worth the extra $300. I looked at the Bellari as well, but after a lot of research decided the Cambridge was a much better choice in that price range.

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post #3 of 4
12/29/11 at 6:13pm

I'm interested in this thread. I need a new cartridge and Phono Pre for my PL518. 

 

I'm willing to spend a few hundred a piece of the price:performance is there. Not enough vinyl to really drop the cash yet.

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post #4 of 4
12/30/11 at 1:54pm
I have had good luck with the Parasound zTuner when budget was a large concern.
The Parasound "z" series is a great line of problem solver pieces that are very reliable and generally perform really well.
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