[Little J040]

Hi all,

I just posted this similarly in the DIY section, but im looking for a Preamp, with both MM and MC capabilities. Im considering building my own, or buying looking to spend 100-200$ let me know if you have any input

 

[gz76]

At that price you should be able to get a Cambridge Audio 640P new. Great value for the $$$'s.

 

[ssportclay]

I had been using a Graham Amp 3 Fanfare along with the Graham Slee PSU1 power supply and was fairly happy with it.I later put together a Hagerman Bugle with an LM4562 opamp in the U3 socket configured for the standard 40db gain to be used as a MM phono stage.I was so impressed with the Bugle that I wanted to somehow compare it with the MC only Graham Fanfare amp.I then ordered a pair of Cinemag CMQEE-344OA transformers and wired them in a plastic box with some female RCA jacks.The Bugle and Cinemags performed so well that they knocked the Graham Fanfare out of my system which was a major shock to me.It wasn't even a very close call.From my point of view,any one who buys one of the standard recommended $500 phono stages without considering the $75 Bugle is making a major mistake.

 

[Little J040]

Im strongly considering the Cambridge, however I am uncertain if it is worth the upgrade, as I will still be using the aux or cd input of my older Kenwood amplifier as the main amp.... Will a bad pre-amp section on this amp give it noticeably more problems than that of the full amplification schematic?

 

[Little J040]

any oppinions on this?

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little J040 /img/forum/go_quote.gif any oppinions on this?

If you are unwilling to build yourself, the MM/MC Cambridge Audio 640P phono stage is a good option.The DIY Hagerman Bugle though less expensive should be a fairly large upgrade over the Cambridge Audio phono stage.The standard configuration is a 40db gain MM only that operates on (2) 9 volt batteries.It can be configured for a higher gain and different load for MC cartridges but tends to sound a bit more grainy and eat batteries faster at the 60db gain.Mine is built at the standard configuration but with the better LM4562 OPAMP in the U3 socket.I am using a pair of Cinemag step-up transformers so that I have enough gain for an Audio Technica AT-OC9ML/II moving coil cartridge.More upgrades exist.Some use Blackgate or Auricap capacitors.Some use Cardas or Vampire female surface mount RCA jacks.Some build the 15V power supply or use 12V SLA batteries.I have 2 AA 10-cell battery holders on order and who knows what this will do?The Bugle should serve you or any one well until you buy your first $2000 tonearm.

 

[jimr101]

Check out DAC usb phono preamp pp-4 it is MM/MC. And spend the saving on a good turn table.

 

[jimr101]

Sorry the brand is NAD PP-4 USB phono pream. I didn't mean to type DAC.