Which entry-level phono preamp?

[Epicurus]

Hi everyone. It's me again, with another question. OK, I've bought the Techie... But I need a phono preamp and, what with the debt crisis going on (and the resulting drastic cut in wages), I need something that won't cost me an arm and a leg. So, basically, my budget for it must not exceed 120GBP or about 180-200 euros.

I've come to consider the following options:

1. The optional phono board for my amplifier (the Audio Analogue Primo Settanta). Sadly, communicating with the local dealer is rather difficult, as it's a bit of a challenge for him to understand what I need.
2. The Musical Fidelity V-LPS.
3. The Pro-Ject Phono Box II

I prefer, of course, something that will handle both MM cartridges (which will be what I'll use to begin with) and MCs (a bit later on), but, like I said, I don't have money overflowing out of my pockets. If you can give me opinions on these (and, perhaps, other options that are easily obtainable without resorting to companies that are not represented here), please do. Thanks!

[chris@panteg]

try this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MUSICAL-FIDELITY-X-LPS-V3-PHONO-PRE-AMPLIFIER-/120660512173?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item1c17ed4dad

[DSJR]

Cambridge aren't favoured by many here for some reason (hopefully not badge snobbery), but the 640P is apparently a fine and neutral product as supplied, with the capacity for tuning if you so desire. If it uses a wall-wart as I assume it does, useful benefits may be gained I suspect by getting a higher capacity linear suply.

Another goodie but MM only is the Rega Fono-Mini at £65 or therabouts and I'm sure HiFi dave would agree with me, as well as sell you one ;)

[chris@panteg]

Hi Dave

The 640p is an excellent budget stage ,for the money its a steal :)

[Epicurus]

try this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MUSICAL-FIDELITY-X-LPS-V3-PHONO-PRE-AMPLIFIER-/120660512173?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item1c17ed4dad

Nope. They ship to UK only, I live in Greece. Therefore...

[Reid Malenfant]

Hi, i just thought i'd let you know that XE.com (http://www.xe.com/ucc/) reckons that 200 Euro is about £170, not £120 ;)

I didn't think the exchange rate was that good :eyebrows:

[chris@panteg]

Nope. They ship to UK only, I live in Greece. Therefore...

Take another look ' Konstantinos ! bottom of the page he will ship to Poland and Italy so why not ask him ?

[MCRU]

I have a cambridge audio phono stage you can have for £70? Hope it's ok to offer to sell you one here as its not needed anymore? boxed as well? Of course I can ship it to Greece at cost

[Epicurus]

The problem with the Cambridge Audio unit is its width (46cm - 1cm wider than the spaces for the units in my "rack" (I've posted some images of my system here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8437)). The X-LPS, even in used form, does sound tempting, although I don't think I'll make it until it's sold - you see, the purchase will happen sometime in the next fifteen days.

[topround]

http://www.vista-audio.com/products.htm

I own one of these little phono pre's.

Quite astounding. Much Better than my Graham Slee Era V, and Musical Fidelity, both of which have been sold off.

For the money you will be blown away. He will tailor it for your cartridge.
No adjustability which is a good thing in some ways. If you change carts he offers a free service to change the loading for the new cart.

You will not be disappointed for $300, is it the last word in phono pre's? by no means, but it will seriously compete with some SS designs over $1000.

Just one of those products by a no name guy who deals direct and who offers great value. It truly punches way above its class!

Mike

[snapper]

I need a phono preamp and my budget for it must not exceed 120GBP or about 180-200 euros.


Scroll down to see Jerry's post

Phono stage (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=156200#post156200)


On ebay here. (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130446892000)

MM and/or MC only.

[Wakefield Turntables]

The creek OBH8 MC is an excellent little phonostage and can be bought off fleabay for less then 50 quid usually!