Best tube phono preamp under 10.000

[dionisofun]

I currently have an Ear 868PL and I am thinking about replacing it. Looking at something up to 10,000 . Any advise?

 

[PeterA]

Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe if you can find one. It is very natural sounding.

 

[gestalt]

Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe if you can find one. It is very natural sounding.

Agree, the Lamm is a good option.

SW1X LPU III Balanced is another that is currently in production: https://sw1xad.co.uk/products/sw1x-lpu-iii-balanced-phono/

 

[dionisofun]

Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[Young Skywalker]

I would second the recommendation for the Lamm LP2 Deluxe for those who use a matching active linestage, given the LP2’s limited gain and high output impedance.

A more contemporary alternative, albeit at a higher price point, is the CSPort C3EQM2 with its internal step-up transformers, battery power supply and low output impedance.

 

[tima]

Lamm Industries LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Preamplifier - Positive Feedback

Lamm Industries LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Preamplifier

positive-feedback.com

 

[Ron Resnick]

Aesthetix Rhea Eclipse

VTL TP-6.5 II (used)

ARC REF 10 (used)

 

[bonzo75]

I currently have an Ear 868PL and I am thinking about replacing it. Looking at something up to 10,000 . Any advise?

The Ear 834p with telefunken valves if you add SUT

Else buy used Allnic 3000 or 7000 and change rectifier

Rada phono from Lithuania direct purchase is excellent but not as good resale as above two

 

[dionisofun]

The Ear 834p with telefunken valves if you add SUT

I also have an Ear 834P with... Telefunken tubes + Ear MC4 It doesn't compare to the 868PL, whose phono stage is the same as the Ear 912.

 

[bonzo75]

I also have an Ear 834P with... Telefunken tubes + Ear MC4 It doesn't compare to the 868PL, whose phono stage is the same as the Ear 912.

Interesting

 

[Tangram]

I also have an Ear 834P with... Telefunken tubes + Ear MC4 It doesn't compare to the 868PL, whose phono stage is the same as the Ear 912.

Have you tried the MC4 into the 868pl MM input? I am getting really good results with my 868pl but using an Allnic AUT-8000 SUT, and before that, an Allnic AUT-2000 SUT. In my experience the 868pl MM really doesn't have a weakness but its MC stage (which uses Lundahl step-up transformers) can easily be bested by an external SUT. I don't know if the MC4 uses the same transformers as the 868pl but if it does, maybe try another SUT. Honestly, I am thrilled by what I hear. Don't give up on the 868pl yet! I personally think it is a fantastic piece of kit.

 

[dionisofun]

Have you tried the MC4 into the 868pl MM input? I am getting really good results with my 868pl but using an Allnic AUT-8000 SUT, and before that, an Allnic AUT-2000 SUT. In my experience the 868pl MM really doesn't have a weakness but its MC stage (which uses Lundahl step-up transformers) can easily be bested by an external SUT. I don't know if the MC4 uses the same transformers as the 868pl but if it does, maybe try another SUT. Honestly, I am thrilled by what I hear. Don't give up on the 868pl yet! I personally think it is a fantastic piece of kit.

Are you sure that the step-up transformers used in the 868PL are manufactured by Lundahl?? My information is that they would be 100% built by Ear - which is proud of that. I have already tested the MC4 in my 868PL and yes, it is the same transformer with identical sound - discounting the impedance differences (3,6,12, 40ohms vs 4,12, 40ohms).

I'm not actually giving up on the Ear868pl, but I am making plans to get a second phonostage. But you're right, the 868pl is a fantastic piece of equipment and I personally love its sonic texture. However, I noticed that the high frequencies of the 868pl are more pronounced than I would like. Initially I attributed this characteristic to its step-up transformer, but later concluded that it was due to the phonostage itself (or both).

 

[dminches]

I would recommend listening to a Zesto Audio Andros II or Andros Deluxe II. I owned an original Andros and loved the sound. I ended up upgrading to a phono stage twice the price.

 

[Tangram]

Are you sure that the step-up transformers used in the 868PL are manufactured by Lundahl?? My information is that they would be 100% built by Ear - which is proud of that. I have already tested the MC4 in my 868PL and yes, it is the same transformer with identical sound - discounting the impedance differences (3,6,12, 40ohms vs 4,12, 40ohms).

I'm not actually giving up on the Ear868pl, but I am making plans to get a second phonostage. But you're right, the 868pl is a fantastic piece of equipment and I personally love its sonic texture. However, I noticed that the high frequencies of the 868pl are more pronounced than I would like. Initially I attributed this characteristic to its step-up transformer, but later concluded that it was due to the phonostage itself (or both).

Perhaps I’m wrong on the Lundahls. I did find reference to “custom-designed” step-up transformers but no mention of Lundahl. Regardless, maybe borrow a few step up transformers to try. On the peaky high frequencies, maybe try a tube roll. I typically use Amperex Bugle Boys and don’t find the highs overwhelming.

 

[shakti]

If you like to buy new:

Luxman E-07

Luxman EQ-500

Allnic H-6500

Phasemation EA-1200

Rike Audio Sabine

Perreaux VP-4

 

[theflattire]

I would go Allnic or Zesto for pure tube.
Modwright PH150 for hybrid.

 

[gleeds]

These are all great choices. Bias aside, if you can stretch your budget just a bit, the Trafomatic Class A balanced preamplifier, which uses 6N30P output tubes and features a separate power supply, is worth listening to. Both Colin of Gestalt and Ron have enjoyed extended listening and can attest to the unit's considerable value. The Lara comes in black or white as standard.

Good luck with your search.

 

[bonzo75]

I would recommend listening to a Zesto Audio Andros II or Andros Deluxe II. I owned an original Andros and loved the sound. I ended up upgrading to a phono stage twice the price.

The Allnic 3000 was quite better than the Zesto after the rectifier was swapped…not before

 

[bonzo75]

These are all great choices. Bias aside, if you can stretch your budget just a bit, the Trafomatic Class A balanced preamplifier, which uses 6N30P output tubes and features a separate power supply, is worth listening to. Both Colin of Gestalt and Ron have enjoyed extended listening and can attest to the unit's considerable value. The Lara comes in black or white as standard.

Good luck with your search.

He is looking for a phono below 10k USD, not a preamp above 10k USD

 

[dionisofun]

Thanks for the recommendations gentlemen.

Tamgran, good ideia, I'll try a tube roll.