Phono preamp for a vpi scout?

[screwdriver]

i might buy a vpi scout /JMW 9 tonearm / dynavector 10x4 high output MC cartridge.

i am wondering as this is an expensive set up already - what would be the most budget phono stage i can get that wont sacrifice sound quality.

your input is very much appreciated .

 

[Gopher]

Screwdriver,

I have a similar rig, but I'm using a DV20X-L within my scout. If you go with the low output version of your cartridge, the Dynavector P-75 phonostage in phono enhance mode kicks some serious ass.

 

[drminky]

I got a MuFi X-LPS second hand from a reputable dealer in London with a warranty for £70 I think. It's got both MM and MC inputs, and has a warm-ish tonal balance. I've used it on both a thorens 160 super and a scheu premier mk2 and am in no hurry to get rid of it...yet. If you can find one of these for a good price, you won't be complaining..

 

[kentamcolin]

I would try to start with a used Grado PH-1 if you can swing it. Usually around $350. This may be all you'll ever need. The sky is the limit from there. I like the EAR834P, the Dynavector is highly rated, and Emmeline XR-2 is also excellent but most expensive of all of these. If you just need to get spinning, find a cheap used phono stage that you'll just resell later on when you have more money to upgrade. I would not buy a new inexpensive one if your already planning on upgrading soon.

 

[Aman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentamcolin I would try to start with a used Grado PH-1 if you can swing it. Usually around $350. This may be all you'll ever need. The sky is the limit from there. I like the EAR834P, the Dynavector is highly rated, and Emmeline XR-2 is also excellent but most expensive of all of these. If you just need to get spinning, find a cheap used phono stage that you'll just resell later on when you have more money to upgrade. I would not buy a new inexpensive one if your already planning on upgrading soon.

I agree with the PH-1 recommendation, but I disagree with the price.

I think the MSRP is 500 dollars, as shown on ToddTheVinylJunkie's site: http://www.toddthevinyljunkie.com/pr...duct.php?id=37

I think that this stage is fantastic. I demoed it with a Grado Green cartridge on a Rega table (I don't know how it didn't hum!) and it seemed to transmit the EXACT vibrations picked up by the cartridge.

 

[Gopher]

Kent gave some great advice about reselling and also recommended some pretty good units. I've heard the XR-2 many times and strongly considered the Ear as well as upgrades from my Grado. I don't think you can go wrong, per say with any of these units. FYI though, The Dynavector phonostage isn't much more expensive then the Grado and is a lot nicer then the grado IMO. Its a little leaner in the midrange, but it's cleaner/tighter on both ends as well as provides more detail and extension both ways. Its not quite as warm either, but rather more transparant. Still--I find it to be more musical and a great piece in my setup. I've got upgraditis gallore, but the urge to move to a better phonostage hasn't come yet.

Do some serious digging on this one.

 

[kentamcolin]

The price I mentioned is what they typically sell for used.

 

[OakIris]

I'm going to be getting a Teres 160 turntable with an Origin Live Silver tonearm. I haven't quite decided on the cartridge, but it will probably be a low output MC, like the Denon 103R or a ZYX R100H.

Anyway, I'm struggling to find a good phono stage, too. The EAR 835p is supposed to be good - and they do come up used on Audiogon for less than $1000 - but it seems that lots of people are ready for an upgrade before too long. I would really like to get a tube phono stage, but they are expensive. The Wright Sound amps, such as the WPP200C Phono Preamplifier ( http://www.wright-sound.com/products ) are well respected, too, but with my low output MC, I would need to get a step-up transformer as well, bringing the price to over $1000.

Good luck with your choice, screwdriver. I, too, would love a phono stage that was reasonably priced but musical and good sounding. $500-$600 would be a great price! I'll be watching this thread to see what you end up with.

 

[Axel]

I own the Monolithic PS-1 with the Modwright upgrade kit and the HC-1b external power supply - I got it on agon for about $400 and it is a hell of a phonostage. It is extremely quiet and handles my low output MC cartridge amazingly. I've also had a chance to audition Clearaudio's Micro-Basic with a MM cart and a MC cart - and found it to be dull sounding. It didn't handle well frequency extremes and imaging was quit poor compared to the Monolithic.
I see Monolithic units come and go on agon - highly recommended !

 

[kentamcolin]

The EAR 834P is an excellent phono stage really. I loved mine and doubt you'll need to upgrade unless your just dumping gobs of cash into an entire system. The EAR was plenty detailed and very smooth. Used prices are generally around $700-$800. The was is one in the classifieds at www.audioasylum.com. I think this one was modded, but there are some commonly accepted mods so it should be fine. You might also send a PM to Ray Samuels. I seem to remember a while back that he was working on a tube phono stage design. It won't likely be a budget component, but it will likely be excellent for the money.

 

[OakIris]

kentmacolin - I assure you that I meant no disrespect towards the EAR 834P. Many people have the amp and love it - and it is in fact on my short list!

Here's a thread comparing the EAR 834P & the Dynavector:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...eyw&zzear=834p

 

[kentamcolin]

OakIris, no disrespect taken at all, I hadn't even thought of it! But thanks for clearing that up just in case. You mentioned liking tubed phono stages. I have heard many good things about the Dynavector, and I don't know anything about it but assumed it was solid state. One thing I liked about the EAR is that it responded well to tube rolling. You can really tweak the sound just to your liking with it, although it may never offer the speed and clarity of SS.

 

[immtbiker]

The Grado PH-1 was designed for a MM cartridge. I sounded no better than average with my Grado Sonata, but when I used it on an Aries 2 with a JMW tonearm, and a Benz MC, it sounded horrible. Then I tried a Lyra MC, and yielded the same results. The XR-2 is worth every penny.

 

[gbeard]

Howdy all,

I own the George Wright WPP100C and step up tranny. I absolutely love the sound. The L/R gain controls are a nice touch, but they are hard to set due to their size and not being stepped. I don't really need the Step-up tranny with the medium output MC Cartridge I use, but it sounds better with it--more dynamic and quieter overall. All in all, it is a very nice phono stage.

BUT, if you are seeking something cheap and decent that you can buy used and sell again for close to what you paid, you might look into the Creek phono stages. They are a very good value. Make sure to get the SE version though, it has upgraded components and only cost a few bucks more used. I owned the MM version for a time, and it sounded really good with my old Technics, and a MMF5. They are not in the same league as the Wright or the 834P for sure, but the Creeks are about good value, and that, they are...

Cheers, Gary

 

[screwdriver]

I am leaning more in buying an EAR but i wonder how much percentage as to performance does the EAR have over the creeks and MF xlpsV3?

does it justify the higer cost?