Cheap phono preamp needed - advice please.

[JohnMcC]

Having just got back into vinyl I've realised the limitations of my built-in phono preamp, and I need a better one for my AT120e in an AT arm - but on very limited funds. It seems to me my choice is between the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P and the Pro-Ject PhonoBox, both in the £70 to £80 range. I don't want to spend more, so which of these is the better choice? Or is there another alternative that I haven't encountered? Or even a cheaper choice? Not top-end audiophile I know, but I will probably upgrade later. (I'd love a tube preamp but I'm not too keen on 2nd hand doubtful provenance stuff.)

[StanleyB]

Hi John,

I got some good moving magnet compatible phono preamps on my website. The TC-750LC has quite a few write ups on the net, especially from US and Canadian customers. Bang for bucks wise you can find much better.
PM me if you need more info.

[walpurgis]

My choice of the two you mention would be the Cambridge. I've owned phono stages from both makers and the Cambridge models are superb for the money.

[mimoser]

If this (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?33754-Trichord-Dino-MK1&highlight=trichord) is still available, stretch your budget and get it.
superb value at GBP 150,–
Michael

[twotone]

Hagerman Bugle boy (search the forum) £115 delivered from America I believe.

[Idlewithnodrive]

If you are looking for decent sound quality for a LOW price, the best I have used is the Goldring PA1.

You can pick them up for £20-30 and they are not at all bad for budget - mid MM carts.

[OldGuard77]

Having purchased a Cambridge 551P for my secondary turntable, it is more than competent, especially at just under £70. I have fed it with a variety of cartridges ranging from my high output moving coil (Dynavector) to basic ones (it's main partner is a 2M Red) - and it serves them well with no obvious vices. It seems a bit bright when switched on cold but beds in well and sounds well balanced. I suspect it would stand comparison with any sub £100 phono pre-amp, and probably above that. My previous pre-amp costed £160, though did have a MC stage, and was less reliable, and a bit "grey" sounding to boot - so my advice would be the readily available 551P.

[Tarzan]

As others have said Cambridge Audio 551P, great phono stages for buttons- musical too.:)

[DarrenHW]

Another recommendation for the CA. I, like you have an AT cart and started with the phono stage on my integrated, moved on to a Project Phono Stage SE (I paid £60.00 second hand from my local HiFi store) which was a massive improvement, then bought a CA651P (I believe identical to the CA551P but with the addition of a pointless power switch) which was a significant improvement over the Project. I bought the CA last December brand new from Richer Sounds for £100.00, their list price is higher but they're quite flexible, at that price and their second hand value I can't see the point in buying second hand unless it is a real bargain.

In terms of future upgrading the CA is quite tweakable if you fancy a bit of DIY:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?7647-Cambridge-Audio-640P-Capacitor-Upgrade
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Phono_HTML/PHONO_Thumbs.html

It was / is my intention to mod the CA but having now heard some valve phono stage's this will be my next stop then I'll decide whether I want to proceed with the CA mods :scratch:.

[synsei]

Another recommendation for the CA. I, like you have an AT cart and started with the phono stage on my integrated, moved on to a Project Phono Stage SE (I paid £60.00 second hand from my local HiFi store) which was a massive improvement, then bought a CA651P (I believe identical to the CA551P but with the addition of a pointless power switch) which was a significant improvement over the Project. I bought the CA last December brand new from Richer Sounds for £100.00, their list price is higher but they're quite flexible, at that price and their second hand value I can't see the point in buying second hand unless it is a real bargain.

In terms of future upgrading the CA is quite tweakable if you fancy a bit of DIY:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?7647-Cambridge-Audio-640P-Capacitor-Upgrade
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Phono_HTML/PHONO_Thumbs.html

It was / is my intention to mod the CA but having now heard some valve phono stage's this will be my next stop then I'll decide whether I want to proceed with the CA mods :scratch:.

AFAIK the CA551p is MM only whilst the 651p is MC/MM capable ;)

[DarrenHW]

AFAIK the CA551p is MM only whilst the 651p is MC/MM capable ;)

Indeed, that should have read 640P not 551P :doh:.

[paskinn]

Another vote for the Cambridge, which is a fine phonostage, not just a fine 'cheap' phonostage. I've compared it with units costing 25 times as much, and the differences were there....but not as great as you might expect. With cleverly designed kit, the law of diminishing returns bites at quite a low price.

[Andrei]

Avoid the Project. My experience with the Project tube box was that it was rubbish - really negated the whole analogue experience.

[walpurgis]

Avoid the Project. My experience with the Project tube box was that it was rubbish - really negated the whole analogue experience.

Yes, I felt the Tubebox was very overrated.

Spend £70 on a good used 640P or £100 on a Bellari VP129 and you'll be chuffed!

[Idlewithnodrive]

I never rated the CA's at all but agree 100% on the Bellari suggestion ;)

[JohnMcC]

Leaning towards the Rega Fono Mini at the mo - most reviews seem to think it slightly better, but - on the other hand - the Cambridge is available down the road at Richers - so I'll maybe go and ask for a demo (hollow laughter). It's also 15 quid cheaper.

[dowser]

Um - what is the built in phono amp you're talking about? They're not all bad, maybe problem lies elsewhere

[markx]

I have in the past owned both the CA & the Bellari phono stages and did not rate either. My recommendation for a budget phono stage at that price level would be a used Musical Fidelity entry level phono stage such as the VLPS. Very good performance for the price.

[JohnMcC]

The phono stage is that built into the ATLP120 -it has a USB output too. It's OK, but I suspect it's the weak link. Seems to favour the right channel.

[markx]

£20 to £30 more than you wish to spend:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?34210-For-sale-Musical-fidelity-v90-lps-phono-stage-mint-boxed

Maybe room for negotiation? An excellent budget solution imo.

[JohnMcC]

My Wife bought me the Rega Phono mini for my birthday - just hooked it up and I'm very impressed. Huge improvement over the phono stage built into the AT120.

[Andrei]

Very good. You should have birthdays more often! :-->