Phono pre-amp advice please.

[DaveK]

A short while ago I replaced my Mini-T amps with a pair of Class A monoblocks with generally much improved SQ. However the exception to this is the output from my SL1210 and by a process of elimination it would appear that the phono pre-amp does not have enough gain to really give the monoblocks the feed that they need, all other sources playing fine.
The pre-amp was purchased a few years ago from ebay on the recommendation of Jerry (jandl100) on here and, up to this point, has been fine. There are no identification markings on it so approaching the seller for advice is not possible. Currently I have a more knowledgeable friend looking at the PCB and components to see if he can improve anything.
I suspect I may soon be in the market for a new pre-amp so am seeking advice. My cartridge is a Nagaoka MP-30 and I have no wish to change that at the moment. Can anyone recommend a good phono pre-amp with good gain that is not going to cost me any limbs or alternatively has one that they no longer need?
TIA,
Dave.

[twotone]

A short while ago I replaced my Mini-T amps with a pair of Class A monoblocks with generally much improved SQ. However the exception to this is the output from my SL1210 and by a process of elimination it would appear that the phono pre-amp does not have enough gain to really give the monoblocks the feed that they need, all other sources playing fine.
The pre-amp was purchased a few years ago from ebay on the recommendation of Jerry (jandl100) on here and, up to this point, has been fine. There are no identification markings on it so approaching the seller for advice is not possible. Currently I have a more knowledgeable friend looking at the PCB and components to see if he can improve anything.
I suspect I may soon be in the market for a new pre-amp so am seeking advice. My cartridge is a Nagaoka MP-30 and I have no wish to change that at the moment. Can anyone recommend a good phono pre-amp with good gain that is not going to cost me any limbs or alternatively has one that they no longer need?
TIA,
Dave.

Think the guy trades on e-bay as '109 person' or something like that.

I had one of the amps which I bought after reading a review of Jerry's on the wam, that review should still be there.

Tony

PS, the Arkless modded phono stage is fantastic, a £600 phono amp dressed up an a £50 amp's case.

[DaveK]

Think the guy trades on e-bay as '109 person' or something like that.

I had one of the amps which I bought after reading a review of Jerry's on the wam, that review should still be there.

Tony


Thanks Tony, I'll take a look to see if I can find '109 person' (or similar :) ). The review of Jerry's that I referred to was here on AoS but Jerry can't now recall which one.
Dave.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I think you may be referring to the Angle Audio phono stage. Well, at least one of you is!
They now have a website (http://www.angleaudio.co.uk/Audiophile-phono-stage-preamp_7.asp)

[DaveK]

I think you may be referring to the Angle Audio phono stage. Well, at least one of you is!
They now have a website (http://www.angleaudio.co.uk/Audiophile-phono-stage-preamp_7.asp)

Hi Chris,
You may well be right - the audiophile version layout (judging by the placement of all the inputs and outputs) looks to be very similar to mine but I don't recall it costing anything similar in price :eek: .
I do have a first refusal on a S/H MF X-LP complete with original PSU for a very good price (but I don't like the shape :( ) - any ideas anybody on the SQ of these?
TIA,
Dave.

[twotone]

Hi Chris,
You may well be right - the audiophile version layout (judging by the placement of all the inputs and outputs) looks to be very similar to mine but I don't recall it costing anything similar in price :eek: .
I do have a first refusal on a S/H MF X-LP complete with original PSU for a very good price (but I don't like the shape :( ) - any ideas anybody on the SQ of these?
TIA,
Dave.


Yep that's the guy, I bought the amp about three years ago and only paid about £70 or so I think then the guy brought out better amps that were more expensive at around £125 or so.

I sold mine a coupe of years ago, not that there was anything wrong with it but I had an integrated amp with phono stage or I had a Croft pre with phono stage and didn't need the battery amp.

[Haselsh1]

I have been using a Musical Fidelity VLPS on and off for a few years now and although it is OK, compared to a Graham Slee it is simply not possible to take it too seriously. It is loud with a healthy output but that is about all. The Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE is comfortably better in all areas. OK so I know mine is not an X-LP but it is from the same stable.

[6L6]

I recently built a Hagerman Bugle 2, it's simply incredible.

My thread of building the DIY kit - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?27458-Hagerman-Bugle-2

It's also available factory wired. http://hagtech.com/bugle2.html

I have no less than 5 stand-alone phono preamps, and this one is my current favorite. It punches so far above it's weight class it's ridiculous. Highly, highly recommended, and then when considering it's price, you can't possibly go wrong.

[sachu888]

I am using CNC MM Phonostage since two years.Its very good and can be built under $75 http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=371889 Latest PCB layout is here http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=371889&page=113 It has a resistive loading options.I have few PCbs if you want.

Regards,
Sachin

[Ned664]

I had the Audiophile battery powered version which had a very refined and detailed sound. It was replaced with the iFI Iphono which is superb! Lots of options on gain and detailed and lively sound. It's a keeper for me.