Budget Phono Preamp

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Hello and Happy Holidays.

I am looking for recommendations for a phono preamp to connect to my Naim Unity Star. My budget is limited. I will connect a Technics 1200 to this amp.

Thank you in advance.

2

How budget is budget? Can you give an idea of what you are wanting or willing to spend?

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3

It does depend rather on your budget. Also what cartridge will you be using on the Technics?

There are a number of great budget choices from the likes of Rega, Pro-Ject, Graham Slee, Creek etc..

4

I use budget AT carts (VM95C, E and EN) as they offer good PRAT plus hold a tune pretty well.

I particularly enjoyed the Rega Fono 5. Boogie’d better than their much more expensive Aria 3.

Even cheaper is the tiny Creek OBH-8mk2 which was also good.

5

Although on a budget I would still aim for a versatile option which allows MM/MC and loading adjustments. Something second hand from Ortofon perhaps?

6

I’d look at Project then. Poss second hand.

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7

Correct. Not sure why I’ve put Ortofon in there … .

8

I use a Cambridge Audio 640p with my LP12, was well regarded at the time. Probably about £100 used?

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9

Thank you.

I would like to stay below €1K. I was not planning to use the turntable with the star, but the situation has changed.

I really appreciate your answer.

10

Hello.

Thank you.

My technics is a SL-1200GR2. I rotate 4 cartridges depending on the music and the quality of the record.

I use a Nagaoka MP-200 for classical music.

I use an Audio Técnica VM 750 SH/H and Ortofon 2M Black for jazz or por/rock/Folk

And an Ortofon 2M Bronze for records that are not in perfect shape.

I hope that this helps.

Thank you

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11

Hi and welcome. At this stage a 2nd hand Project.

Good luck.

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12

My additional limitation on selecting audio equipment is living in a remote area and not having access to audio stores. Most of my purchases are on-line. So far, my Naim unity elements (Atom, Star, Mu-So2, and Mu-So Qb) have been good purchases. However, I have not been as lucky with my other equipment (speakers).

Therefore, I have to rely on audio enthusiasts like you guys to direct and my searches.

I appreciate your help.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

2 Likes
13

Thank you

15

Depending on its availability a used Leema Elements phono is a good sounding option within your budget.

16

Thank you. I was not aware of that brand. I will read about it.

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17

Thank you. I will look to see what units I can find.

Best regards

18

There is a Rega dealer not too far away. I will try to make it there and test it.

Thank you.

19

Thank you.

I always wanted to get a LP12, but I find the multiple variations a little bit confusing. Is there an entry level one with power supply and tonearm included?

Thank you

20

QHW The Vinyl has positive reviews and is within your price range, worth exploring.

21

depending on how exactly you have to spend then there are some Project examples for not much and one of the cheaper ones I quite like is IFI Phono Zen £250 (I think in mk3 form now). It is very good and switchable too for loading and even MM & MC carts.

If all you need is MM phono stage the Graham Slee Gram Amp (about £260) is very good for the money. there are other more expensive models.