Hey guys, can anyone recommend a cheap TUBE phono preamp? The idea is that I'm using my Rotel w/ Sumiko Blue point cart to transfer a bunch of LPs / 45s to DAT, then to CDR. I'd like to run the Rotel thru a Tube preamp, since almost every record I'm transferring is from the early 60s. Any suggestions that dont break the bank? thanks Mikey
A well-built Dynaco PAS-2 would do, I would think. Probably about $100 - $150 on eBay, if you shop carefully. -Kevin
I have a friend who found a conrad-johnson PV-10A used for around $450. This was about a year ago. It really made a difference in his system, and he loved it so much, he's now looking for a used CJ power amp to match!
The Dynaco PAS 2 or PAS 3 (same preamp, different colored faceplates; 2 is Champagne, 3 is silver) came loaded from the factory with - drumroll please - Telefunken 12AX7's (Steve's magical mystery midrange tube) - watch Ebay and you'll find plenty listed - you can find really clean specimens for under a couple hundred bucks...
I am not sure why, yet I fixed my Mac C26 yesterday and then did a A B comparison with a PAS 2. The PAS 2 sounded better, warmer and better vocals. May as well order a Grover cable so it will arrive at the same time $60 is not that bad. I did get my PAS 2 for $5 at a garage sale last month, yet I don't think that will ever happen again.
Ya know for little money, a PAT-4 solid state Dynaco isn't a slouch either. I use that in my second system.