Demystifying budget phono preamps

[andrewc]

I've been researching budget phono preamps (for MM), and read how one person favors this model, and another person favors that model, and it's a bit overwhelming to say the least. I was wondering what, if any, where the objective differences between them. Are $50 models that much worse than $150 models (3x worse)?

The $50 models that stand out are:
TCC TC-750
ART DJ Pre II
Audio Technica PEQ3

The $150 models:
Vincent Audio - PHO-111
Musical Fidelity V-LPS
Cambridge Audio 640P
Rega Fono Mini
Pro-Ject Phono Box II


What perimeters are important to look at, and can you trust spec sheets? Has any third party done any scientific measurements on any of these units for comparative purposes? I'm less concerned with how some random person on the internet thinks it sounds subjectively, to how they perform electronically/scientifically. It seems like the only important factors would be how much noise they introduce to the chain (but what sort of noise figures are important?), how well they boost the signal, what is their frequency range, and how well do they preform at RIAA filtering.? Also, having a proper ground/power supply seems important as well.

I was set on the TC-750, but read a review on amazon how the capacitors were cheaper than in the ART box, and a lot of people like the PEQ3, then more people suggest spending $100 more and upgrading to one of those other units, and I'm not sure any of it really matters or is worth it. I know it boils down to how much I am willing to spend, but I wanted to see if anyone here had recommendations or facts (not opinions) to offer. Thanks for your time and help!

[cjfrbw]

It seems that for about a thousand dollars you could buy them all, make your own decision, and sell the rest.

Instead of current production rotgut, maybe you would be better off with proven vintage, such as one of the marvelous Yamaha preamps like c70? Can be had with looking and patience on ebay within your price range.

You are never going to get a firm answer based on the preferences of others, ultimately, you will just have to listen and make your own decision, especially at the lower end of the price scale.

[mep]

I would say if you are shopping the $50-$150 range, you were correct when you said it doesn't really matter and it's not worth it. I doubt many people here are using phono preamps in that price range, but if they are, they need to jump in. For once I don't agree with Carl's advice. I wouldn't want to spend $1K to buy all of the devices you listed, sit through the drudgery of listening to all of them, sell 7 of them, and probably lose 50% of the $1K you spent not including shipping and the listing fees on Audiogon or Fee Pay. For less than $500 you could buy a really good used SS preamp with a very nice phono section built in like a Yamaha C2a.

[John72953]

About $150 in Canada. A built in The Netherlands MM/MC phono pre: TONAR VINYLINE 4189. I doubt even a $500 phono pre would give me better results.

[garylkoh]

Hagerman "Bugle" - $149 assembled, or $39 as a half-kit (no parts). Dual mono construction - uses two 9V batteries. We heard this at a phono-stage shootout at the local audio club, and it sounded better than some in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.

[John72953]

Hagerman "Bugle" - $149 assembled, or $39 as a half-kit (no parts). Dual mono construction - uses two 9V batteries. We heard this at a phono-stage shootout at the local audio club, and it sounded better than some in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.

Link?

[Steve Williams]

http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html

[John72953]

http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html

Sweet! Thank you Steve! If it's as good as they claim I may have to get one and see for myself.

[garylkoh]

When you do - try different batteries. I used to own a battery phono stage a long time ago, and Ever Ready Heavy Duty sounded best.

[DonH50]

Curious -- what differences did you hear with different batteries, Gary? Sounds like they skimped on storage caps; maybe there's a mod market opportunity! I do know some batteries have higher self-noise and such...

Aside for those using battery-powered gear: not all batteries are the same, and in particular not the same voltage. Some of the rechargable types have lower voltage and that may cause a difference in what you hear, depending on how the component's power supply and gain circuitry is designed.