At some point early next year I plan to assemble a Bottlehead Reduction tube phono pre. My turntable had to go to the shop recently. The small shop also has been pushing Nagaoka cartridges and it got me thinking.
What do you guys think is more important, the phono pre or the cartridge? And any notable products of either in the sub $1000 range I should be considering over the Reduction? It’s a bit broad but I trust informed and honest responses here more than any other forum. All I know is that I don’t think I want something analytical for a turntable.
What are you currently running? I haven’t tried a ton of things, but really like my Pro-ject Phono Box DS2. Prior, I had a Behringer Micro Phono and an ART DJ Pre. The DS2 is easily head and shoulders above those in performance, and has a ton of flexibility in cartridge matching.
For carts, I’ve had the Realistic branded Shure M91, a cheap AT3600, and Ortofon OM10 between a Realistic Lab 400 and Elipson Alpha 100. I just picked up a Hana SL that I need to get set up. Of those, I’ve probably liked the Ortofon best. It tracked the best on less than perfect vinyl and had a nice rich tone with good low end.
I’d say for me up to now, the pre has made the biggest difference, but I’ll know better once I get the Hana set up.
I have a schiit Mani, and I know the cartridge is a Shure but I don’t know the particular model (turntable’s still in the shop). Honestly the setup is just fine but I have no reference so I’m curious to see whatever else is out there.
Any suggestions?
I’m still thinking about which one to choose.
I was allowed to test the IFI Air phono and this has rekindled my love for vinyl records.
The Ifi had a good fun factor but I’m not sure if it will be enough in the long run.
That’s why I’m putting out some feelers for a phono stage.
The turntable is an old Pionier Pl300 from 1982 with Ortofon Red on it and a tube headphone amplifier.
It would be great for listening to records again from time to time.