Phono Preamp Shopping

[Bill in AZ]

I was bidding on a nice preamp (Surround Concepts, Phonomena II) at e-bay, but it went over what I felt was reasonable for a used item so I am going to let it go to another bidder.

So I am back looking for a good phono stage. I plan to use a Denon DL301 cartridge so I need the higher gain of a MC input. I don't want to be tied down with a phono stage that is lacking detail, but honestly don't know what "sound" I want to match up to this cartridge. This will drive a passive type preamp with a transformer type level control, so no gain thus I suspect I need a fairly low output impedance of the phono stage AND sufficient gain.

Now I am starting all over again on my search. Anyone here have experience with the Jolida JL-9? I was not particularly looking for tube preamp, but I'm open to suggestions. I want something quiet in MC (high gain) mode that will let the magic come through, and really I'd like to keep cost to $600 or less if this is possible. (Champaign on a beer budget...)

[nabil]

Have you checked out the phono stages on sale at Audiogon? Here is a really nice one-make an offer and see what happens... http://app.audiogon.com/listings/suther ... waudio-com

[Tedrick]

Agree with Nabil, Audiogon can be a great source of good-quality used gear. You should be able to score a Musical Surroundings Nova or Nova Phononmena for less than your nominated budget. The Dynavector P-75 is another one to consider that should fit in your price on the used market.

[Bill in AZ]

I was having no luck registering for Audiogon twice now.. But those preamps do look to have the featured and performance that I am looking for..

[nabil]

Audiogon has gone through some recent web-design changes so some things don't work as well as they should. You should email them and tell them the issues you've had trying to sign up. They will respond daily quickly. Almost all of my current set-up has been purchased through Audiogon-I've even sold several things through them.

[Bill in AZ]

Well shoot, that was fast. I got myself registered at Audiogon. looked over that Southerland preamp and placed a low-ball bid. They came back 20 minutes later and accepted my bid! My offer must have met their needs. The shop is located in Nevada (a neighboring state to me) so I should have it in a few days too. Who would have thought shopping could be so easy...

[Ottermel]

You realize that it runs on 16 D cell batteries?

[Bill in AZ]

You realize that it runs on 16 D cell batteries?

Yes, I did some internet research on this preamp. The complete elimination of any AC power in the preamp chassis is one reason it is so neutral sounding and quiet. I like quiet.

[nabil]

Bill congratulations! I just kind of picked that one out of the blue... glad it worked out for you. Honestly, I have no relationship to the sellers.

Enjoy!

[Bill in AZ]

Nabil,
Thanks for pointing this Sutherland preamp out to me. I looked ove the specs, read a couple reviews and made an offer that frankly I thought might not be enough, but the selling shop took it right away. He called me a few hours later to confirm shipping address and will be shipping it out today. He said he had taken it in on trade and was able to let it go to me at this price. I suspect that My money in his hand had a better feel than inventory on His shelf. A win for both of us.

My turntable is at the packer now and hopefully will be on its way to me in a couple days. This is the Sony TTS-3000 with a SME 3009 tonearm and a Denon DL301 cartridge, a nice old table in perfect running condition.

I want to thank You and all the folks here who offered helpful suggestions in getting me back into vinyl after some 20 years away. Mainstream audio has changed a lot over these last 20 years (mostly gone underground IMHO), and it is good to have found this forum with real knowledge to draw from.

[nabil]

Please let us know how you get on with the new Phono Stage... I've heard good things about this item. You sure picked a winner with the Denon 301-a very nice cartridge.

[Bill in AZ]

I got my Turntable up and running this past weekend and can report on the Sutherland PH3D phono stage. It really is DEAD QUIET which is wonderful. I am driving it with a Denon DL103S cartridge so I set the gain to 60 dB and the loading to 200 ohms. I was not sure on the loading, but the booklet that came with the cartridge (now 21 years old!) stated 100 ohms or higher.

Sound is nice, deep clean bass, nice mids and highs. My SME arm has 43 year old wiring that I want to replace soon, but for now I am real happy to have vinyl back in my system. Even as is, this turntable does several things my Linn CD player cannot.