In need of a phono preamp, looking for budget recommendations

[George]

Hi All,

       Back in January I splurged and purchased a new receiver, the Yamaha RX-V663.  Unfortunately for me, I assumed it had a phono preamp in it like the previous, and yet cheaper, Yamaha receiver I purchased twelve years earlier.  So, now I'm stuck and I have no clue as to what preamp to buy.  My TT is a Fisher MT-273.

1.  I have no clue as to where I would plug a phono preamp into the chain between the receiver and TT.  You can see the back panel of my receiver here:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v663/RXV663rear.jpg/image_view_fullscreen

Would I just run TT out>phono preamp in>phono preamp out>any input in on the receiver (ie. CD in) since it doesn't have a designated line input for a TT?

2.  I have no clue how preamps "sound."  I'm very familiar with the TT's sound though (warm, punchy and very musical)  It has a Stanton 500 cartridge that's in need of replacement.  I like my records to sound musical and enjoyable, not precise and analytical like my Rega P3 did.   Needle Doctor has a bunch listed:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Phono-Preamps;jsessionid=0a01074d1f43dd9024bb36814b04ad18f50314a49a1d.e3eTaxaQbxmTe34Pa38Ta38Oc350

My budget is $100-$150.  Hopefully this budget can squeeze a nice preamp.  Any help is appreciated!   Thanks!

[Tim]

you can just run into any open line in on the back panel, doesn't matter what its labeled.

for pres in your price range the Cambridge Audio 540p and 640p are well regarded.

[George]

Thanks Tim, I'll take a look at both of them.  Fortunately, the wife approved the purchase of one   

[Tim]

from what I've read the 640 is a big step up from the 540. I own the 540 and am quite happy but have never heard the 640 to compare it to.

Have fun!

[notlance]

You could also look into the NAD PP2, which sells for about $130.

[George]

Thanks for the rec notlance, keep em coming guys/gals.

[som]

You could also look into the NAD PP2, which sells for about $130.

I had this for years and then upgraded to the Cambridge 640P. HUGE difference. I highly recommend the Cmabridge phono pres.

[George]

Thanks som!

I settled on the 540p and a stanton 500 V3 stylus for now.  If it sounds good, I'll stick with it for the time being. 

[Jackpine]

Hagerman has a battery powered preamp for $150. Or you can buy the circuit board and plans for $39. They sell a power supply also, but battery powered will sound better.

If you like a warm sound with tight punchy bass you'ld probably like Grado cartridges.

edit for link http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html

[George]

Got the cambridge 540p yesterday with a cheapo Stanton 500 V3 cart.  So far, so good. 

Now, I think I need to change out the speakers, lol. 

[Craig T]

used Lehmann Black Cube?

[George]

used Lehmann Black Cube?

huh?

[som]

used Lehmann Black Cube?

huh?

It's a phono preamp. (In response to your original post.)

[noahbickart]

I use a Musical Fidelity x-lp phono stage, with which I am very happy. You can likely find one used on audiogon (though seemingly not at the moment) for not that much more than $100.

-Noah