Phono Preamps That Are Great Value

I'm really not too picky here, I just need a phono preamp that will replace the dying one in my system. Of course, I'd rather be spending my money wisely than just getting something that will do.

What are some recommendations for phono preamps that offer excellent value for their cost?

 

If you can accommodate the size of one, some of the best value phono preamps I've tried have been the ones in older (pre-CD era) integrated amplifiers, connected via the tape outputs from that amp to your own amplifier. Decent older amps often have really great phono stages, especially for moving magnet cartridges, and can often be picked up for very little in local classified adverts/second hand shops.

 

What is your budget? $100, $500, $1000?
Starting off, the ART DJ PRE II is about $66 now. There are lots of reviews here and elsewhere. I have one, I don't use it as primary, but it is fine, better than "will do".

 

Let’s say $500 is the max but remember I’m really looking for the items that are of great value.

 

Best values are almost always in used market.

 

Lounge Audio LCRIII with Silver upgrade. Rivals stages costing multiples of its price. Contact @morinix for details. Look up Lounge threads ot his forum - you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

IME, phono preamps are one of the key audio components where "you get what you pay for" most applies.

I agree with @Old Zorki II for your budget I would absolutely go used.

 

Clearaudio Nano. V2 for new. V1 for used (I have one). Highly capable.

 

I paid $550 for a used Sutherland Ph3d and it’s one of the best audio purchases I’ve made. Battery powered, adjustable gain and loading. I love it.

 

I've been using a Schiit Mani for some time now. For $129 its hard to beat.

 

I also have a Lounge LCRIII as well as their Copla SUT and a Schiit Lyr 2 headphone amp. Absolutely love this combo. Really highly recommend the Lounge. I haven't gotten the silver upgrade yet though. They also do a silver upgrade for the Copla!

 

I’ve got a Lounge LCR and later did the gold upgrade. Very happy with it.

 

For a rudimentary no frills phono it may be good enough. It hardly offers any sonic "value" though.

 

The internal phono preamp of the YAMAHA AX-550 is great !!!

 

Now THAT is a great value.

 

Some Graham Slee models can be found for less than $500 used. There is an Amp 2 and an Amp 3 currently on audiogon.
I have a Jazz Club, MM only, and it is among the best MM phono stage that I have heard.
The Musical Surrounding Phonomena and Nova can often be found around that price range. These are also great value.

 

Oh, my bad I guess.

 

It offers a 30 dB gain option which is ideal for many people with modern amps and higher-output MM carts.

I honestly think that a lot of the complaints about it are because people are running it with too much gain.

There have been RF noise complaints about the Mani by some but I personally haven’t been affected by that at all.

 

Not sure of the cost of Croft preamps on that side of the pond but over here they seem incredible value for the performance.

 

See if you can find a Ray Samuels Nighthawk. I’ve seen them go for 300 bucks. Best phono stage I’ve heard under a grand. And lots of adjustability. Google the reviews.

 

Project Phono Box. About £90. MM/MC. Happy to recommend this one.

 

I think that many, if not most actually prefer this to the very popular TubeBox. Makes sense since the TubeBox is basically the same unit with tube buffers.

I would add the iPhono 1/2 to any list of phono stage bargains.

 

I've jumped straight from the in-built phonostage in my integrated amp to a $2000 separated. So I guess I can't really comment on "value". A lot really depends on which types of cartridges you want to use, and how much flexibility in loading you need.

That said, the little Hagerman units do seem to me to have great great value:
Bugle3 - Phono Preamp MM/MC

A couple of steps up, before finally deciding on my SPL Phonos, I've also looked very hard at the Lehmann Black Cube SE II
Black Cube SE II < Phono Stages < Lehmannaudio

 

Another interesting option in this price range is Puffin DSP-based phono pre. Incredible functionality for mid-level systems, including now some pop and click removal software.

 

I have the Pro-Ject Tube Box-S and it seems to be pretty good.
Had it tweaked so it can play my Hana EL at 470 ohms.