Best Preamp under $150

Im in the market for a new preamp.

Looking to spend under $150.
I have a Denon DP-300F TT and a cheap preamp (under $50).

Looking for some collective input.

 

Used...

 

LOL...well, which one?

 

Cheapest of those ive seen is still $300+

 

FWIW I love my Schiit Mani @ $129.

 

My suggestion would be to patrol the various sites that sell used gear - they pop up and then get sold - so I don't have a specific suggestion.

 

Yeah ive been looking but im not wise enough to know whats better than what.


Ill search for the schiit. I always liked that name anyway lol

 

I have never been disappointed in any of the Schiit products I have purchased. If you are looking for a phono preamp, I am sure the Mani will suit you well. Always great bang for the buck with those guys.

 

Theres no gain dial?

 

Schiit Sys passive $50.
http://schiit.com/products/sys

Do you need a preamp with a phono stage?

 

Yes needs a phono stage. Sorry

 

Hagerman Bugle2, assembled.

 

Surf around Parts Express. They probably have something in your price range.

 

I have found 10s of them in my price range. Im looking for recommendations.
Preamps people have tried and enjoy, or maybe not so much enjoy.

 

I second the Schiit Mani. It's got such an authoritative sound for only $129. You don't have a volume control on your receiver/integrated amp/powered speakers? What are you connecting the phono preamp's output to?

 

I have an all I one receiver/bluray/CD tuner.
yes it has volume control.

 

Yeah I saw that pic on the site. Just Lor H?
what do you keep yours on?

 

Depends on your setup/cart. I currently have 1 on H and 2 on L. Volume wise on that setting it pretty close to matches my cd volume, makes it convenient and sounds good to me there.

 

Is it a drastic change in sound from H to L?

 

Adcom GFP-555

Quiet phono stage, dependable... a little boring looking but I'm using one right now with much more expensive speakers and amplifier.
http://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/adcom-gfp-555-preamplifier/

 

29dB difference between the highest and lowest setting. Right off the manual:

1 Gain Switches:
These have been set in Gain 1 = L, and Gain 2 = H, which offers 42dB of gain for most moving magnet (MM) cartridges.
Other gain modes include: Gain 1 and Gain 2 both L: 30dB of gain Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = L: 48dB of gain Gain 1 and Gain 2 both H: 59dB of gain

2 Load Switches:
Use 47 for moving coil (MC), or 47K for MM cartridges. Unknown cartridge? Try 47 first. If your sound fades to almost nothing, set it back to 47K.

 

Good value preamp. I had one 'new' when I ran separates back in the '80s with a carver amp.

What are they going for now, though?

 

You need to match the gain settings to the output of your cartridge. You set it once, and leave it alone, unless you change cartridges. Adjust the volume using your receiver.

 

I do change headshells/carts