Step up from the Bellario VP-130

default -- Fri, 01/01/2010 - 18:29

Hi. I "re"-entered the world of vinyl a few months ago and am very happy to be here. I own a Thoren's TD-190, Goldring 1022GX along with a series of isolation devices (cones, stable platter, record clamp/weight, etc.) I would like a recommendation on which phono preamp would be the next upgrade to show a significant improvement. I'm trying to keep it under $600. Thanks in advance.
Cheers

hifitommy -- Sat, 01/02/2010 - 14:25

i would try a dynavector p75 or p75II. they show up regularly on a'gon for around $400 and will handle mm OR mc cartridges. it has been well received in the press and they dont last long on a'gon. check it several times a day and grab it when you see it.

there are other choices of course but thats the one i suggest.

...regards...tr

Jim Hannon -- Sat, 01/02/2010 - 14:31

There are several phono stages that will give you a nice upgrade from the Bellario VP-130.
I'd suggest you audition the new Phonomena II Phono Stage from Musical Surroundings.
Hope this helps.
Jim

hifitommy -- Sat, 01/02/2010 - 14:55

jim, the phenomena is $1000, like the dyna, it doesnt last long used on agon.

...regards...tr

SundayNiagara -- Sat, 01/02/2010 - 16:46

The $1k version has the battery pack. The regular veraion is $600.

Jim Hannon -- Sun, 01/03/2010 - 14:56

SundayNiagara is correct.
I checked both Acoustic Sounds and MusicDirect and new Phenomena IIs are available at $600.
The Nova (battery powered) is $999.
There are other options that I have not heard that could be worth a listen:
Simaudio Moon LP3 ($499) and the Musical Fidelity X-LPSv8 ($499) are both within your budget.