B^2 Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Hello, I recently came across a screaming deal on a used Pro-Ject Debut Carbon to go with my A5 speakers which I've had for a bit. Previously I was using a crappy TT with a built in preamp so I'm in the market/need for a phono preamp for my new TT. I've read the "beginners guide" and I've been thinking about getting the Bellari VP130. Part of the reason I like the Bellari is for the headphone amp. Just wanted to get the opinion of the collective before I purchase something. Will also likely be purchasing some Blue Jeans RCA cables. Cheers, Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jlegg Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I know the Bellari is a "tube" phono preamp. Are tubes in this stage something you are looking for? Personally, I really like a tube preamp, and could give recommendations based om that, but I'm just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B^2 Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to "tube" phono preamps vs regular phono preamps. I'd be curious to hear your recommendations. Also do i need two sets of cables, one from the TT to the preamp and another from the preamp to the speakers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deathbyart Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Depends on your budget. I personally have a tube pre-amp: Parks Audio Budgie which is $400. I have also read a ton of great things on the Vincent Pho-8 and Shiit Mani. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jlegg Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I cant go into as much detail as other can, but tubes are often very pleasing to the ear. I like a tube preamp because to my ears, it colors the sound in a way that warms it up and it makes the sound just sound fuller. With that being said, I have heard the Belari and it is a decent preamp, but it is not a true tube preamp. Its more like a hybrid. What I have is a preamp that I built myself that's based on a much more expensive preamp called EAR 834p. If you are good with your hands and soldering, its a very fun project, but time consuming. I'm extremely happy with the sound, and will probably never upgrade and built it for a little less than $300 total. You can find Chinese knock offs of the EAR 834p on Amazon or eBay moderately priced. I had a Little Bear T10 and really enjyed it, finding it to be the best bang for the buck in the sub $200 range. They now have a T11 thats in a metal case and looks a lot nicer. These two amps, while sounding very good for the money, do come shipped with cheap chinese tubes, and it is recommended that they be replaced with either Russian 6N2P tubes, or american 12AX7 tubes. Plenty of info is available on other forums about these two. https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Turntable-Preamplifier-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B06XCM9NKV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501261331&sr=8-1&keywords=little+bear+t11 https://www.amazon.com/Toroidal-Transformer-Little-Turntable-preamplifier/dp/B00TBA8818/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501261126&sr=1-1&keywords=little+bear+t10 If you wanted something less expensive, there is also the Little Bear T7 preamp that is closer to the Belari. https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Vacumn-Turntable-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B071NPGWJC/ref=pd_sbs_23_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071NPGWJC&pd_rd_r=Z42ABHPEAKGB5FB4PT25&pd_rd_w=XIeCY&pd_rd_wg=DunXy&psc=1&refRID=Z42ABHPEAKGB5FB4PT25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinyl addict Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 $300 of sonic bliss... http://www.loungeaudio.com/lcr-mr-iii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewVinylGuy Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I have a Hagerman Audio Bugle2 paired with my Debut Carbon. I have nothing to compare it to, but I have no desire to change it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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