Hello Curtis,

"Best" preamp is something you will ultimately have to
decide. Considerations include:

   - choice of cartridge - determines how much preamp
     gain and what sort of loading options you need.

   - shellacs, transcription discs, microgroove LPs -
     determines that type of EQ options you will need.

   - commercial labels - this can also influence your
     EQ requirements

   - sound field (mono versus stereo) - this will
     influence the need for accurate imaging.

   - vertical recordings - do you need a vertical /
     lateral switch?

   - application:

        o Preservation?
        o Access?
        o Commercial re-issue?

     each of the above applications have different
     processes (analog versus digital EQ, for example)
     and hence different phono preamp requirements.

   - budget - no need to explain why this is important.

In the name of full disclosure, we manufacture and sell
an archival phono stage:

http://www.theaudioarchive.com/TAA_Products_Wavestream_Kinetics.htm

Our phono stage provides extremely high levels of
accuracy and flexibility (often diametrically opposed
goals). But it may also be more than you need.


Eric Jacobs

The Audio Archive, Inc.
tel: 408.221.2128
fax: 408.549.9867
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.TheAudioArchive.com
Disc and Tape Audio Transfer Services and Preservation Consulting


-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Peoples, Curtis
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 1:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Phono Preamp


Hi Folks,

I recently bought a Rek-O-Kut Rondine turntable and would like advice for a
preamp. I searched the ARSC archive and found some references for used
preamps on eBay, but I will have to buy new. What are the best preamps on
the market?

Thanks,

Curtis Peoples
Archivist
Crossroads of Music Archive
Southwest Collection, Texas Tech University
806-742-3749 *265
Box 41040
Lubbock, Texas 79409-1041