Best Phono Preamp for $400.00?
Hopefully I have this posted in the best area for phono preamp questions as I am new to the forum. Although my old Pioneer SX-1980 has a built in phono amp, I am interested in getting more out of my old vinyl as well as the new vinyl I have gotten recently. I have done a bit of research and the prices vary from 50 bucks (prolly DJ gear) to several thousand. Since my budget is not unlimited, I thought I would go as high as $400.00. I like the Graham Slee 2 SE and the NAD PP-2 as well as the Bellari VP129 Tube Phono Preamp. I am hoping to get some input from the members here as to what you use and ow you like it. I do not hav a high end table yet and when I upgrade, it will likely be capped at $700 or so with as much as $500 for a cartridge. I am trying to keep the whole set-up at this point under $2000.00 and then I will see about upgrading my other components. My current tables are a Pioneer PL-600 (the direct drive unit not the belt drive PL-600 KUC) and a Technics SL-1200 MKII. Yeah I know, I shoulda used the Technics cash for a more audiophile table but at the time really knew nothing about what I should have bought! I forgot to add that I have a Shure V15V cart on the Technics and a Stanton 681EEE on the Pioneer table.
Thanks for any help and input you can provide,
Ragtop