[rocky1]

I have a Pro Ject 1expression turntable w/ortofon 2mm blue connected via a Pro ject phono box mm to my Marantz.I'm looking to upgrade the phono preamp to something better. Just feel its time to upgrade the pre amp have had it for awhile and want to try something new within reason. Looking up 250-500. to spend for a new pre amp but don't know enough about them as to sound characteristics etc. Small foot print is best for me.Also like the "warm" sounding characteristics if possible.So looking for opinions as to what to look for a new preamp.thanks

 

[Class A]

I have a Pro Ject 1expression turntable w/ortofon 2mm blue connected via a Pro ject phono box mm to my Marantz.I'm looking to upgrade the phono preamp to something better. Just feel its time to upgrade the pre amp have had it for awhile and want to try something new within reason. Looking up 250-500. to spend for a new pre amp but don't know enough about them as to sound characteristics etc. Small foot print is best for me.Also like the "warm" sounding characteristics if possible.So looking for opinions as to what to look for a new preamp.thanks

I think you need to change the cart if you want a more neutral or warmer sound. I had the 2M Blue and it can be rather hot on the top. For carts I'd look at the Nagaoka MP-200, Goldring G 2300 and the Grado Gold 2. Your current phono, which is quite good, can handle any of these MM carts.

 

[rocky1]

didn't think of changing the cart.I guess that would be a more advisable upgrade ?

 

[Class A]

didn't think of changing the cart.I guess that would be a more advisable upgrade ?

Years ago when I went from a 2M Blue to a Dynavector 10x5 it was a big improvement. Less surface noise, better bottom end, more detail and soundstage. At the time I had the same Pro-Ject tube phono during the cart change.

 

[rocky1]

Years ago when I went from a 2M Blue to a Dynavector 10x5 it was a big improvement. Less surface noise, better bottom end, more detail and soundstage. At the time I had the same Pro-Ject tube phono during the cart change.

I suppose I should look into that one aswell . My pre amp is not the tube one more of the budget side of things. Makes me still wonder though between the cartridge upgrade or phono pre amp upgrade which should go first. Best scenario would be both if could be managed.

 

[Class A]

I suppose I should look into that one aswell . My pre amp is not the tube one more of the budget side of things. Makes me still wonder though between the cartridge upgrade or phono pre amp upgrade which should go first. Best scenario would be both if could be managed.

If you want to do both. I would say the Nagaoka MP200 w/the Lounge Audio MKIII LCR phono will really upgrade your sound. That would be above the $500 by about $100-$150 but you'll you won't want to upgrade for a long time.

 

[Jeff Aguilar]

I think going the route of getting a new cart is the way to go before changing out your pre-amp. I have read really good things about the Nagaoka MP200. When I did my last upgrade it was between that cart and the Denon DL-302MKII. I ended up going with the Denon. Changing the cart was a definite upgrade!

Jeff

 

[commsysman]

Look at the Cambridge Audio Duo, for $299.

I have a Pro Ject 1expression turntable w/ortofon 2mm blue connected via a Pro ject phono box mm to my Marantz.I'm looking to upgrade the phono preamp to something better. Just feel its time to upgrade the pre amp have had it for awhile and want to try something new within reason. Looking up 250-500. to spend for a new pre amp but don't know enough about them as to sound characteristics etc. Small foot print is best for me.Also like the "warm" sounding characteristics if possible.So looking for opinions as to what to look for a new preamp.thanks