SS Or Tube Phono Preamp?

[Douglas]

Definitely SS. Valve stages only become viable from about $4000.

[4Play]

Douglas... It seems to be the consensus that solid state is better than tubes. I am exploring all possibilities before I make my decision.

[Douglas]

Pro-Ject phonobox DS+. I have listened to this phono stage, and it punches way above it's price.

Good deal at Musicdirect as well

PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS+ at Music Direct

[W9TR]

4Play,
Please check into the Lounge Audio LCR mkIII.
It is getting rave reviews. It is unique in that it uses an LCR network for RIAA equalization. It is sold manufacturer direct so no distributor markup. Made in California.
Tom

[greekgod]

I think it is against the forum rules to post a direct link but there is a thread on the stereophile website called "musical fidelity V-LPS 2 vs. emotiva XPS-1 phono preamp". People on there seem to think the Musical Fidelity V-LPSII is superior. It is discontinued but you could search the used market or find out if it has been replaced by a different model.

[4Play]

Originally Posted by W9TR

4Play,
Please check into the Lounge Audio LCR mkIII.
It is getting rave reviews. It is unique in that it uses an LCR network for RIAA equalization. It is sold manufacturer direct so no distributor markup. Made in California.
Tom

W9TR... Thank you for your recommendation. However, the MKIII is MM only. I prefer to have both in ome unit due to real estate being very tight as it is.

This is a sort list of the preamps I am considering.

NAD PP3 - Solid State
Vista Audio Phono-1 MkII - Solid State
Vincent Audio PHO 8 - Solid State
Pro-Ject Tube Box S Phono Preamp

An eclectic choice to consider, there is only one tube preamp in the bunch. What I have gathered so far is solid state is the better choice for a phono preamp. All four are good contenders and will be a good choice for anyone. I need to find out which one is the best choice for my audio system.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by greekgod

I think it is against the forum rules to post a direct link but there is a thread on the stereophile website called "musical fidelity V-LPS 2 vs. emotiva XPS-1 phono preamp". People on there seem to think the Musical Fidelity V-LPSII is superior. It is discontinued but you could search the used market or find out if it has been replaced by a different model.

Apologies if I transgressed the rules.

[greekgod]

You could also send Ivan aka MasterLu a PM and see if he has any recommendations. He is a dealer for many different products and could probably give you a great deal on something. This could allow you to stretch your budget a little bit.

If not, you could also check out the Needle Doctor. He is known for being very good at making recommendations. He also has a section on his website called "Favorites Under $500" Once there click on phono preamps.