Topic: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout (Read 2261 times)

OJneg · « **on:** May 22, 2015, 06:36:23 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:36:37 PM »

>> 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 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2015, 06:39:19 PM »

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.

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2015, 07:01:02 PM »

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

drfindley · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2015, 07:07:40 PM »

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

CEE TEE · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2015, 07:17:59 PM »

^Cool...I will try to do the comparo and pass off to you, Dr. Findley to add to the comparo.
The Parasound (new retail) and the TTVJ are about $400 so that Rega should make it.
The EC Transcription Phono Pre I have on loan may not be cheap enough, however.

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:43:32 PM »

I have a Musical Fidelity V-LPS II. It is a long, long time since I even turned the deck on, but my memory is that I wasn't that impressed, and, out of some digitising sample runs, I thought that even Audacity did the RIAA curve better in software!

Purely subjective: maybe the MF box's slightly flat feel was actually more realistic. I don't know.

OJneg · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2015, 12:21:35 AM »

Updated OP with two more entrants. Thanks burns

Randu · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2015, 05:09:23 PM »

Ahhh HAAA
Here is where it went
Saw the orig thread from last Oct and thought this idea just fizzled...
Glad to see it's sill alive

Got my cursor hovering over the checkout button at Schiit....

Anaxilus · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:15:12 PM »

We had a nice audition at my house with the Levi and modded HD800s. OJ helped me get my dad's old Dual 1019 up and running. Thing hasn't spun a platter in over 35+ years. Wow, what a difference a pre can make. I definitely look forward to updating this thread in future.

Author Topic: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout (Read 2261 times)

OJneg

Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

OJneg

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

Azteca X

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

drfindley

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

drfindley

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

CEE TEE

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

Thad E Ginathom

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

OJneg

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

Randu

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

Anaxilus

Re: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Author Topic: Cheap Phono Preamp Shootout (Read 2261 times)