Phono preamp matching 'table/cartridge...help please

okemomagic -- Mon, 08/04/2008 - 11:56

I have read a number of article and reviews in the absolute sound by Wayne Garcia and others regarding analog. I am "going vinyl" once again (after a 25 + year absence). I will probably purchase the Rega P3-24 turntable with an RB301 tone arm and a Rega Exact 2 cartridge. My question is what phono preamp to purchase??? With so many choices (and price points) its confusing. I can't audition them all. I'm thinking of the following: PS Audio GCPH, AcousTech PH-1, Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V, Simaudio Moon LP3 or LP5.3, Ph3D, Phenomena II or the Bellari Rolls VP129. That's EIGHT choices! Do I purchase one of these or do I stick w/ the Rega Phono stage (or another "cheaper" model, such as the Grado). I'm "confused." Which of these is the best "match"...or, doesn't a "match" matter? Obviously, I'd like to save the money...but, I don't want to get a phono preamp that isn't "good enough" either? Any suggestions? Input & help is appreciated. Thanks!!!

paulseydor -- Tue, 08/05/2008 - 13:23

I doubt that any of these would produce anything approaching a bad result, and I have personal experience with some of them. My current reference, however, remains the new Nova Phenomena because its sound is neutral and it has the most complete provisions for pickup loading and level matching. It's also you can select for battery operation, which certainly lowers the noise. How seriously do you plan to get into vinyl? Are you going the moving coil route (in which case level and loading options are important)? If you're going to stick with a moving magnet, then you don't have to worry so much about that. I've had outstanding results with the Nova Phenomena, the Phenomena, the Graham Slee, and the Creek, and units by Southerland and PS Audio have been reliably praised.

Robert Harley -- Tue, 08/05/2008 - 15:08

Although I haven't heard it, the Sutherland Ph3D looks interesting. It retains most of the audio circuitry of the $3000 PhD, but in a more cost-effective chassis. For example, rather than use dedicated battery holders as in the PhD, the Ph3D bends the chassis to form the battery holders. Ron Sutherland has designed some fabulous products over the years, and the Ph3D is worth a listen.

okemomagic -- Wed, 08/06/2008 - 14:19

Thanks Robert. Is battery life a concern? What about when the batteries are "low" but not dead...in other words, does the quality of the sound degrade as the batteries get "weaker?" ALSO, does this component have to "placed flat" in a rack or on a shelf, or can it be "installed" vertically (as opposed to horizontally) behind the "rack / cabinet?"
Andrew

OKEMOMAGIC

stereo_buff -- Tue, 10/14/2008 - 07:21

I needed a phono preamp too and picked up a Parasound Zphono. What a deal for the money! The build quality is excellent and I'm convinced you would have to spend a LOT more to get better performance than it renders. Give it a listen at your local dealer, and I guarantee you'll be taking one home.