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AUDIO FORUMS >> Vinyl >> Cheap Phono Stage
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Message started by Showme on 04/19/19 at 20:05:52

Title: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/19/19 at 20:05:52

Anybody got any recommendations for a cheap phono stage I could use while my ZP3 is on order? I'm moving my Thorens TD-124 out of a system with an integrated amp into my Decware system. As we all know the wait seems to be about 4 months now.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by HockessinKid on 04/19/19 at 20:24:32

Project Phono Box S2 should tide you over.

https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-preamps/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-S2-Phono-Preamplifier

HK

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/19/19 at 21:53:16

Thanks HK. There are even some of those on the auction site for about $80. Your links guarantee maybe worth the extra though.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by bikehappy1 on 04/19/19 at 23:07:48

I've heard the Parks Puffin is decent too. It's more than 80 bucks. I'm using my old Cambridge audio ps until the ZP3 returns.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/20/19 at 17:08:27

Just researched the Puffin. I like it. Not sure if I can justify the $400 when I've got $2,000 earmarked for the ZP3.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Geno on 04/20/19 at 19:01:23

The Schiit Mani is solid too. And inexpensive. I had one before I got my ZP3.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/20/19 at 20:47:50

Geno, did you have any problems with RF interference? I just read a review and that was the "con" by the reviewer. He also linked to a forum with some people complaining about it picking up radio stations plainly enough to hear the DJ's and music. Other aspects received good remarks.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Geno on 04/20/19 at 21:27:00

I used it for over a year with no problems at all.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/20/19 at 22:29:18

Thanks for your input. Appreciated.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Geno on 04/21/19 at 22:48:59

If you’re looking for something to use for several months until you can get your ZP3, this should do nicely. And like I said, very inexpensive. Good luck!

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Showme on 04/27/19 at 21:59:56

I ended up with the Pro-Ject S2. Tough to decide between the Schiit Mani and the Pro-Ject. Ordered it yesterday from Music Direct and 24 hours later with free shipping it’s playing in my system. It’s so good I have to wonder how much better the “full bore” $2,000 ZP3 will be. A lot I hope.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by HockessinKid on 04/27/19 at 23:51:10

Glad you like the Pro-Ject. It's an often overlooked little gem, below $200. It will sound better after ~50 hours of use. The ZP3 is in a whole other league.

HK

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by Acetone on 04/28/19 at 18:17:19

I had a Pro-ject tube box s for awhile. The ZP3 was a huge step up. I was not disappointed in any way. Also, better speaker cables, and cartridge, had huge-positive impacts as well.

Title: Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Post by StevieT on 03/25/20 at 01:25:48

I have a Parasound Zphono MM/MC coming my way, $250

2 inputs, MM 47k, MC 47k and MC 100k choices. Headphone jack and USB AD converter.

I’ll let you know... anyone try it?