Phono preamp recommendations

[Silver200]

Hi!!

I'm looking for an upgrade of my internal phono preamp of my marantz SR5013.
My budget is 200.
I've read great things about the Schiit Mani but also read that have some hum problems.
Another option with great reviews too, is the Cambridge Audio Solo phono preamp. Is a little more expensive but maybe it worth the extra money.
Any opinions and recommendations?
Thanks a lot

 

[Gray]

When I sold my Marantz PM66KI amp, I bought a Cambridge Audio 561P phono amp.
Wish I'd kept the Marantz just to use as a phono stage.
It's likely the Solo is better than their old 561P - would be handy if you could try CA / Schitt to confirm any improvement first though.

 

[Clarkey_71]

When I sold my Marantz PM66KI amp, I bought a Cambridge Audio 561P phono amp.
Wish I'd kept the Marantz just to use as a phono stage.
It's likely the Solo is better than their old 561P - would be handy if you could try CA / Schitt to confirm any improvement first though.

Not sure what cartridge you're using, but as an entry level phono amp, Graham Slee are very good.
I've used their products before and never had any issues.
They used to offer home demos, but not sure if they still do.
If you can stretch your budget a little, they might be worth a look.

*Edit. This reply was for the OP. 👍

Gram Amp 3 Fanfare MC Phono Preamp - HiFi System Components

The Gram Amp 3 Fanfare MC Phono Preamp is a low-cost/high value phono amp for moving coil enthusiasts. Buy it at HiFi System Components.

www.hifisystemcomponents.com

 

[Al ears]

I believe the Fanfare 3 is for low output moving coil cartridges only which the OP is unlikely to own. May be wrong.
Something else from his range might be more applicable.

 

[Clarkey_71]

I believe the Fanfare 3 is for low output moving coil cartridges only which the OP is unlikely to own. May be wrong.
Something else from his range might be more applicable.

Good call.

Just generally throwing the Slee products out there. I just chose the one nearest to the OP budget! 👍

 

[Al ears]

I would suggest the Edwards Audio Apprentice MM but it might not be available wherever the OP happens to live.

 

[StratDoc]

Rega phono mini - https://www.whathifi.com/us/rega/fono-mini-a2d/review. I have the Rega MK3 which is the big brother and the sound is excellent.

 

[6and8]

I second what Paul Clarke says. Graham Slee makes great phono preamps, I've been using one of the higher end ones, the Reflex M, for 2 or 3 years now, really happy with it. The entry level ones also get very good reviews. And they do have a loan scheme so you can try before you buy.

 

[Al ears]

I second what Paul Clarke says. Graham Slee makes great phono preamps, I've been using one of the higher end ones, the Reflex M, for 2 or 3 years now, really happy with it. The entry level ones also get very good reviews. And they do have a loan scheme so you can try before you buy.

Have you actually heard any others in the same price bracket? What cartridge do you use?

 

[6and8]

Have you actually heard any others in the same price bracket? What cartridge do you use?

I haven't. I got the Graham Slee on loan and didn't want to send it back. I'm using a Nagaoka MP-200.

 

[Al ears]

I haven't. I got the Graham Slee on loan and didn't want to send it back. I'm using a Nagaoka MP-200.

Great cartridge that.

 

[myrrhman]

I've got an older model Cambridge Audio 551p MM stage, which wasn't particuarly favourably reviewed, but FWIW outperformed the phono stage in my old Creek 4140 amp, which is a very well regarded built-in stage. I'd imagine the CA Solo would be worth a listen. You haven't mentioned your deck and cartridge - your choice should be influenced by these, and whether you plan to upgrade in the future.

 

[record_spot]

Project Phono Box, £90. Brilliant little preamp and a steal for the money.

 

[londonguy]

musical fidelity LX2-LPS

you wont be disappointed, i found it much more open and transparent than the rega personally