Phono Preamp Reviews

Manley Labs Steelhead phono preamplifier

Paul Bolin, Michael Fremer Dec 05, 2001 First Published: Dec 05, 2001

The Manley Steelhead tube MM/MC phono preamplifier was first demonstrated at the 2001 Consumer Electronics Show. Nine months later, my long-promised review sample of Eveanna Manley's new baby was delivered. While Ms. Manley may have given birth to the audacious product, it was conceived by the company's chief hi-fi designer, Mitch Margolis.

Tube Preamp Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Herron Audio VTSP-1 preamplifier & VTPH-1MC phono preamplifier

Michael Fremer Mar 19, 2000 First Published: Mar 19, 2000

This is an era in which products and websites are "launched," but in the past two years Herron Audio has sort of oozed its way into the public ear. With little visible promotion or splashy advertising, Herron is now spoken of within an ever-widening audiophile circle.

Phono Preamp Reviews

Conrad-Johnson Premier 15 phono preamplifier

Michael Fremer Jul 03, 1999 First Published: Jul 03, 1999

At a hi-fi show in Germany a few years ago, an audio club had set up a room filled with a dozen well-known turntable/tonearm combos. I recall seeing the Clearaudio/Souther, Immedia RPM-2 and arm, VPI TNT Mk.IV/JMW Memorial, Basis 2500/Graham 2.0, Oracle/Graham, Linn LP12/Ittok, SME Model 20/SME V, and some others I can't remember, including a few not exported from Germany.

Phono Preamp Reviews

Linn Linto phono preamplifier

Wes Phillips Jun 12, 1998 First Published: Jun 12, 1998

Audiophiles with budget restrictions (most of us, I imagine) could be forgiven for feeling we're afterthoughts to most manufacturers. Even though we probably keep many companies in business by buying their "entry-" or mid-level products, we're always hearing about products designed "without compromise." Waiter, could you bring the reality check, please?

Phono Preamp Reviews

AcousTech Electronics PH-1 phono preamplifier

Wes Phillips Jun 05, 1998 First Published: Jun 05, 1998

Audiophiles with budget restrictions (most of us, I imagine) could be forgiven for feeling we're afterthoughts to most manufacturers. Even though we probably keep most companies in business by buying their "entry-" or mid-level products, we're always hearing about products designed "without compromise." Waiter, could you bring the reality check, please?

Phono Preamp Reviews

Balanced Audio Technology VK-P10 phono preamplifier

Jonathan Scull Jun 29, 1997 First Published: Jun 29, 1997

Some of the most innovative thinking on hybrid circuit design these days seems to come from Russian designers. As a group, they are technically very well educated, pragmatic, and unfettered by American high-end didacticism.

J. Gordon Holt Phono Preamp Reviews Historical

Vendetta Research SCP-2 phono preamplifier

J. Gordon Holt Jun 11, 1995 First Published: Jun 11, 1988

Few people in the audio business would deny that John Curl is an audio design genius—arguably the greatest one of our generation. He designed and built the electronics for Mobile Fidelity's SuperMaster and David">http://www.stereophile.com//interviews/478/">David Wilson's (of Wilson Audio) UltraMaster tape recorders, two of the three best analog recorders in the world. (The other is Keith Johnson's home-brew unit.) He designed the JC-1 head amp and JC-2 preamplifier sold under the Mark Levinson name some years ago. He designed head amps for SOTA, Michaelson & Austin (TVA), and has done consulting work for more high-end companies than you can shake a stick at.