Question about phono pre-amps...

[Steelmaker]

As I've been researching pre-amps I've discovered that much like with guitar amps, you can get tube amps or solid state amps. Are the tube based pre-amps that much superior? I was looking at this Bellari VP130 tube amp. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[Steelmaker]

Anybody have any experience with Vincent pre-amps? The reviews on this one seem pretty solid. It's priced at 299.99 which is more than I initially wanted to spend but reviews suggest that it's quality far surpasses the price. I might splurge if it really is that good. Has anyone dealt with these before? Does it's spec sheet look pretty solid?

Spec Sheet:

■Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5 dB
■T.H.D.: < 0.05 % (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
■Input Sensitivity: MM 58 mV; MC 6.8 mV
■S/N Ratio: MM > 83 dB; MC > 70 dB
■Input Impedance: MM 47 k Ohm; MC 100 Ohm
■Output Impedance: 250 Ohm
■Max. Voltage Output: 8 V (per channel)
■Amplifier Gain: MM 40 dB; MC 60 dB
■Power Consumption: 10 W
■Weight: 3.3 lbs (power supply); 2.6 lbs. (preamplifier)
■Dimensions: 4.5" wide, 2.3" high, 5.4" deep

[schan1269]

That Vincent has been the "darling" of $400 phono amps since it was new.

It has a construction quality on par with PA costing over $600.

And it sold well at $400. It only recently dropped when it started stalling in sales(everything reaches that point...).

By the way, these pop up on Audiogon for $200-$250 periodically. They disappear in hours...

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by schan1269

That Vincent has been the "darling" of $400 phono amps since it was new.

It has a construction quality on par with PA costing over $600.

And it sold well at $400. It only recently dropped when it started stalling in sales(everything reaches that point...).

By the way, these pop up on Audiogon for $200-$250 periodically. They disappear in hours...

Well they have a tube version now that sells at 499.99. However I simply CANNOT spend that much. I'm already on thin ice with the wife as it is at 299.99 LOL! Besides, with my current setup I doubt a tube pre amp would offer a huge difference anyway.

[schan1269]

The 700 is not "a version" of the 8.

The only thing similar is the outside PS. They share 1 part...

The on switch.

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by schan1269

The 700 is not "a version" of the 8.

The only thing similar is the outside PS. They share 1 part...

The on switch.

Yes I get that. I just meant that Vincent offers another phono pre-amp in the 400-500.00 range that's a tube amp. I didn't mean to imply it was a "version" of the Phono-8.