Which Phono Amp are you Running?

[Zedrider]

I have a 1210 mk5 with a DL 110 cartridge going through a Project Phono Box mk 2 which I see as the weak link in my system.

The DL 110 is a HOMC cart putting out 1.6mV does anybody have any suggestions for a phono amp upgrade? The main amp is a Primare i21 and I have a budget of £500.

Cheers

[Trackside]

I have a V-LPS - it's output is very healthy and can be upgraded for better sound with a better PSU or battery supply but if you want to spend £500 you may want to look at some of the Graham Slee designs.

[Zedrider]

I have actually been looking at some Graham Slee options, but cannot see which one would be the correct one to use with my dl110.

All the Slee MM phono amps require a minimum of 2mV but say they are suitable for HOMC inputs. The max input for Slee MC Amps appears to be 1mV. Other than blowing £500 for a Slee step up transformer I can't see which one would work?

[jrobby]

According to The Needle Doctor the output of the Denon DL110 is 2.2mv. I am currently using Musical Fidelity V-LPS with my Denon and have no gain problems
whatsoever.

[bubba45]

What about Lehmann Black Cube Phono Stages?
I have the entry level statement and it is excellent. The Standard is £450 and you can upgrade the PSU for the Standard at a later date.

[russtafarian]

I use a DIY phonoclone with my SL1200/Graham 2.2/Soundsmith DL103. http://phonoclone.com/diy-pho4.html With the latest National LME series op amps it sounds mighty fine. Parts cost is between $100 and $200 depending on choice of case, op amps and coupling capacitors, etc.

[dogpile]

ZYX Artisan MM/MC battery operated phono stage. Good things come in small packages

[Zedrider]

I have finally gone for a Trichord Dino Mk2 and Dino+ PSU. I got both items used but mint from eBay for just over 50% of the new price.

After a bit of reading to set the best DIP and Gain values it's a very good buy, and recommended for anybody else looking for an upgrade.

[rewfew]

I've used a Graham Slee 2 special edition for several years now. It work's fine with Denon's high output mc cartridges. I have the 160 which is listed at 1.6mv. Over all the Slee pre-amp does very fine by me. No idea what other, greater, more expensive pre-amps would do to give me a finer appreciation for my music. Other than DIY I don't have the money or inclination to find out what similar or higher end units can do. The Slee is over priced enough as it is.