Hey guys, first post here- I'm going to be pretty thorough, but I'll stick a TL;DR at the end.
I'm looking to get a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC w/ 2M Red (the new DC version has fixed the motor hum issue that has been following the table around for years), and will want a phono preamp to pair with it. The signal path will be (for the time being, of course- we all know how easy it is to change and add on things to our systems) TT -> Phono -> Marantz nr1403 slim-line AVR (50wpc into 8 ohms, no phono stage) -> Quad 12L's. Down the line I will invest in a separate stereo receiver and relegate the AVR to preamp duties, but for the time being the AVR has enough resolution and power to do the speakers right.
My current phono stages under consideration are the Cambridge Audio Azur 651P, Musical Fidelity V90-LPS, Bellari VP130 (all three between $220 and $275) or for a more cost effective option the Schiit Audio Mani ($129)
I am 23, and just starting out in the hobby/obsession, so I'm trying to keep this under $300, but i'm open to any other suggestions.
My current musical tastes are fairly broad, but center around indie rock, singer/songwriter, classic rock, some electronic, and some blues and jazz. When listening, I prefer some heft at the bottom end but not nearly as much as most my age- mostly, I enjoy a wide soundstage and realistic guitar and voice resolution. I play guitar, so pick action "thump" tends to stand out when reproduced incorrectly- well recorded electric guitar should have a strong physical leading edge that I find important to recreate. That all said, as I lean so heavily towards rock and similar styles warmth is not something I'm avoiding (especially with such analytical speakers as the Quad's).
TL;DR - suggestions for phono stage under $300?
Thanks for reading, and for all your help.
-Parker
Hey guys, first post here- I'm going to be pretty thorough, but I'll stick a TL;DR at the end.
I'm looking to get a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC w/ 2M Red (the new DC version has fixed the motor hum issue that has been following the table around for years), and will want a phono preamp to pair with it. The signal path will be (for the time being, of course- we all know how easy it is to change and add on things to our systems) TT -> Phono -> Marantz nr1403 slim-line AVR (50wpc into 8 ohms, no phono stage) -> Quad 12L's. Down the line I will invest in a separate stereo receiver and relegate the AVR to preamp duties, but for the time being the AVR has enough resolution and power to do the speakers right.
My current phono stages under consideration are the Cambridge Audio Azur 651P, Musical Fidelity V90-LPS, Bellari VP130 (all three between $220 and $275) or for a more cost effective option the Schiit Audio Mani ($129)
I am 23, and just starting out in the hobby/obsession, so I'm trying to keep this under $300, but i'm open to any other suggestions.
My current musical tastes are fairly broad, but center around indie rock, singer/songwriter, classic rock, some electronic, and some blues and jazz. When listening, I prefer some heft at the bottom end but not nearly as much as most my age- mostly, I enjoy a wide soundstage and realistic guitar and voice resolution. I play guitar, so pick action "thump" tends to stand out when reproduced incorrectly- well recorded electric guitar should have a strong physical leading edge that I find important to recreate. That all said, as I lean so heavily towards rock and similar styles warmth is not something I'm avoiding (especially with such analytical speakers as the Quad's).
TL;DR - suggestions for phono stage under $300?
Thanks for reading, and for all your help.
-Parker