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Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

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OJneg:
So this all started back in December when we were at Marv's place playing with a few different turntables. I figured the easiest way to compare them would be to plug them into different phono stages and and then switch the cables to the amp in order to go back and forth. Obviously because switching the phono cables is more of PITA because they have that extra screw-in chassis ground to work with. But what we heard was surprising in that the differences between the phono stages seemed to be on the same level (and in certain cases usurp) that of the turntables.

I've heard a lot of people talk about which parts of the chain are most important and where to invest their $$$. Most agree that the transducers (headphones, speakers, phono cartridges) generally produce t he biggest differences. Some say that DACs make a bigger difference than amps, and vice versa. Regardless, I would say that phono pres produce bigger differences than either relatively. The phono carts really had the ability to make or break the system from what I was hearing.

I'm going to send these to CT and let him listen before I post my impressions. BTW guys, it's not too late if you want to send any other cheap-ish phono stuff our way for comparison. PM me.

OJ's thoughts: http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,2449.msg67979.html#msg67979

drfindley's thoughts: http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,2449.msg76611.html#msg76611

Anax's thoughts: http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,2449.msg76622.html#msg76622

OJneg:
>> http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,2449.msg76611.html#msg76611

Agree on most counts, although I don't have the Rega Fono. Here's my rankings based on what I had on hand.

TC-750 + AMB sigma11: Best of the bunch. Very clear and believable sound. Natural without treble edge. It does reveal the slight edginess that these AT cartridges can have (both 95e and 440MLa) but that's mostly not its fault. Unconstrained dynamics both micro and macro which is why Anax likes it the most too. This thing sounds crazy good for a $50 box from China; doesn't make any sense. Cannot vouch for use with random SMPS's.

Parasound Zphono: Great bass extension and impact. Similar sound to Mani but better bass balances things out to make more listenable. Good overall sound I could easily live with this. Doesn't have the natural and resolving qualities of the TCC.

Schiit Mani: Close between this and the Zphono. Mani seems to be more on the analytical side. Very fast and energetic, but there's some congestion and lack of ease that keeps you out of the music.

Creek OBH15: A more forward sound with plenty of midrange sweetness. Pretty good with speakers; I noted I liked the staging. Unfortunately kinda veiled and boring. Doesn't come alive.

TTVJ Hybrid Phono Preamp: Obvious treble grain and lack of refinement. Accompanied by a fair bit of tube warmth. I didn't like this phono. sigma11 didn't help.

Music Hall pa1.2: A lesser Creek.

For perspective:

Awesomeballz
TC750
.
.
Zphono
Mani
.
.
.
Creek OBH11
.
TTVJ
.
.
pa1.2
Meh

Azteca X:

--- Quote from: OJneg on May 22, 2015, 06:36:23 PM ---I'm going to send these to CT and let him listen before I post my impressions. BTW guys, it's not too late if you want to send any other cheap-ish phono stuff our way for comparison. PM me.

--- End quote ---

If someone has an Emotiva XPS, please send it in for this. https://emotiva.com/products/pres-and-pros/xps-1

Looking forward to this.

drfindley:
Does the Rega Fono MM count at $400? I'm pretty close to CT

drfindley:
I also have this gem to offer: http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1432321399&sr=1-6

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