Suggestions for phono preamp?

[Rob S.]

Hey everyone:   I've been enjoying my audio vista phono 1 for a little while now,  and after upgrading my system and room acoustics, it's evident to me that it's now my weakest link.   nervosa is back and I"m open to suggestions for what I should buy next.  

I have a couple of ways to go here:  1) buy something better right now (~$1k used or new range) a few that come to mind are  musical surroundings Nova phonomenon or http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1288842641&/ASR-Mini-Basis-Upgraded--with-  

2) wait a bit longer and then buy what I really see myself having, a unit in the $3-4k range (a few that have come to mind would be manley steelhead v2 http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1287926635&/Manley-Steelhead-phone-preamp , ASR  http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1287608202&/ASR-Audio-Systeme-Basis-Exclus    Jeff Catalano from highwatersound in NY speaks very highly of the TRON seven http://www.tron-electric.co.uk/seven.html which is $4k new and has quoted me a nice price.

Look forward to your thoughts...  Am I on the right track here? What other pieces should I be looking at?

Rob S.

Here's the system http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;sa=view;id=810

[BobM]

The phono stage is (IMO) the single most important part of your vinyl rig. Then comes the cartridge, because the 2 of them have to work synergistically. Wait and get what you want and will use for the long term. You will also need to decide tubes or SS.

The Sutherlands are good, if you want battery power.
JLTI's get very good reviews, but you will need the extra power supply upgrade to get the best from them
Pass Labs is a no-brainer.
The Groove and Herrons are thought of highly by many

A lot is going to depend on your cartridge choice as well (gain, characteristics, etc.). At those price levels you should be thinking of a cartridge in the $2000 range or better to truly get to vinyl heaven.

[Rob S.]

Thanks Bob,   you're right....  hadn't thought about the cartridge.  It's not in the league as the phonos I'm looking at.  When does it ever end?

Ok, now I've been told the Dynavector XX mk2 and the ortofon cadenza Black are the front runners in matching the Tron Seven preamp.

Rob