Phono Amp?

[audioguy27]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a phono amp, but to be honest I don't have a lot of experience. I've done a bit of research online and I've found a couple that seem to be good bargains for close to the same price range.

The first one is the Dino MK2 Phono (heres a link STONEAUDIO UK (http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/) | hi-fi, home cinema, multi-room, design and installation).

Another I Found was the Firestone Phono (slightly cheaper, but Im not sure which is a better amp - link: Korora RIAA Phono Stage (http://soundadditions.com/korora.html) | Sound Additions)

I also found a few random other ones but they didn't seem to spark my interest the same as these two did. I only have around 350$ or so to spend - but I'd like some advice. I'm leaning towards the MK2 but the cost being in Euros is a little harsh being Canadian So we'll see... any advice is really appreciated!

[02audionoob]

Trying to stay in your budget I'd try the Bellari VP130 or the Pro-Ject Phono Box SE II:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Bellari-VP130-Tube-Phono-Preamp?sc=2&category=401

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-SE-Preamplifier_3?sc=2&category=401

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not familiar with those. I used a Creek OBH-8 previously and for the modest price this piece is a giant killer. The 8 doesn't have a lot of features so if thinking of going MC some day you might check a step up version. I haven't used a lot of phono amps but the OBH-8 blows the NAD completely away and I preferred the OBH-8 to a $795.00 Primare. The Primare didn't have synergy with my system or something because it sure didn't sound like it's price tag.

[Feanor]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a phono amp, but to be honest I don't have a lot of experience. I've done a bit of research online and I've found a couple that seem to be good bargains for close to the same price range.

The first one is the Dino MK2 Phono (heres a link STONEAUDIO UK (http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/) | hi-fi, home cinema, multi-room, design and installation).

Another I Found was the Firestone Phono (slightly cheaper, but Im not sure which is a better amp - link: Korora RIAA Phono Stage (http://soundadditions.com/korora.html) | Sound Additions)

I also found a few random other ones but they didn't seem to spark my interest the same as these two did. I only have around 350$ or so to spend - but I'd like some advice. I'm leaning towards the MK2 but the cost being in Euros is a little harsh being Canadian So we'll see... any advice is really appreciated!

As a person on budget, especially with respect to my small LP library, I been quite content with this TCC TC-750 preamp (http://www.phonopreamps.com/tc750pp.html). It's more that decent and huge bargin for sure.
...

[E-Stat]

Trying to stay in your budget I'd try the Bellari VP130
Ditto on the Bellari. Even Fremer recommends it as a budget model. I use a VP129 (no USB ) in the vintage system. You can find them on Agon for a good bit less. It has a low impedance output and analog gain controls that allow you to drive an amp directly as I do with the Threshold.

rw

[dean_martin]

another vote for the Bellari with one caveat. I've read some complaints from users of early models regarding hum. You might inquire about this if you buy used. However, I purchased an early model Bellari at the intro price of $199 USD and have had no problems with hum.

Also, if you need more gain and adjustability, the Jolida JD9A lists for $450USD but is often discounted to around $375 (in the US) - just a little more than your budget.

Another contender is the Cambridge Audio 640P. I bought my son one of these. He's off at college so I haven't heard it personally, but he likes it. It's a little more sophisticated than the 540P and it can handle both high output moving magnet and lower output moving coil cartridges.