Here at BYU we are looking to purchase two phono pre-amps, one for a turntable dedicated to playing 78 rpm discs and a second dedicated to playing 16-inch transcription discs. Do any of you have recommendations for phono pre-amps that would be ideal for each format? Both turntables are modified Technics SL-1200MK2 built by Diapason Archive Turntable. We have a set of Grado cartridges in various sizes made for 78 rpm playback as well as some Stanton 680EE cartridges.
The turntables are in carrels provided for students to listen to recordings in our Music Recordings Archive. The pre-amp signal will be sent to Tascam SS-CDR200s for headphone monitoring and to give the students the ability to capture to various formats.
Anyone have experience with the Technolink TC-778 RIAA Phono Preamp with 78rpm Equalization? Is there anything out there that might give more flexibility in selecting multiple EQs? We have an Esoteric Sound turnover-rolloff device that is not working. Is it worth getting repaired? Is there a pre-amp that would work well with it?
My budget is about $1,250 for each pre-amp. Would the money be better spend on better cartridges?
Eager to learn from your experience and advise,
David Day
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