Budget phonostages: NAD PP1/PP2 vs MF X-LP

[stereophile]

Does anyone in WS own a NAD PP1 or PP2? How does this compare to a MF X-LP? or for that matter any entry level phonostage?

There are many new analog enthusiasts. For starters, most will revive hand me down ttables or acquire budget ttables. If their pre-amps or integrateds don't have phonostages, they would have to get hold of an outboard phonostage, to use their new/old 'table. This topic will help them start out on their analog journey.

The question is, which of these is the bang for the buck winner?

MSM, what's your opinion/recommendation? Ayan ah, nagpost na ako ng two topics sa ANALOG. Hope ur hapi!

[m_shoe_maker]

Hmmmmm....

I'd say, pwede na for starters ang Boulder 2008 and Zanden.

[XLR_silver]

Does anyone in WS own a NAD PP1 or PP2? How does this compare to a MF X-LP? or for that matter any entry level phonostage?

There are many new analog enthusiasts. For starters, most will revive hand me down ttables or acquire budget ttables. If their pre-amps or integrateds don't have phonostages, they would have to get hold of an outboard phonostage, to use their new/old 'table. This topic will help them start out on their analog journey.

The question is, which of these is the bang for the buck winner?

MSM, what's your opinion/recommendation? Ayan ah, nagpost na ako ng two topics sa ANALOG. Hope ur hapi!

are the PP1 and PP2 locally available doc? where?
thanks!

[arnel90]

Hmmmmm....

I'd say, pwede na for starters ang Boulder 2008 and Zanden.

where can you get this sir?...price range?...is the NAD locally available?

[Gaucho]

Recommended "entry" level phone stages:

Tubes:

> Aesthetix IO
> Herron Audio

Solid State:

> FM Acoustics
> EAR 324

Teka...dapat at ang title "wish list" for phono satges.......

[stereophile]

The NAD PP1 & PP2 are outboard add-on phonostages. NAD did not include a phono stage in their integrated amps to keep their prices down. These is their solution for analog enthusiasts.

The PP2, unlike the previous PP1, has both MM/MC capacity
(47ohm/100ohm), w/ grounding plug. This is similar to the specs of the MF X-LP. The PP2 has a retail price of about $130. I was looking at the specs, it has gold plated input/ouput connections. It runs on 24V power supply. I think the PP2 has its own built-in output cord/interconnect, unlike the MF X-LP wherein you can use your own choice of interconnects. The PP1 &PP2 are well-rated in their price range.

I haven't heard them yet. I only own the MF X-LP w/c I use with my Technics ttable. I have not seen one locally nor am aware if they are being sold by the local NAD distributor. Since the MF X-LP and its variations are out-of production, I was thinking that the PP2 would be a perfect solution(both quality & price-wise) for the newbie analog enthusiast. Would any of you have contacts with the local NAD distributor, so you can inquire if they can bring this in?

[arnoldc]

Recommended "entry" level phone stages:

Tubes:

> Aesthetix IO
> Herron Audio

Solid State:

> FM Acoustics
> EAR 324

Teka...dapat at ang title "wish list" for phono satges.......

oo nga, pano naging entry level mga yan

[m_shoe_maker]

Zanden
Zanden
Zanden

[arnoldc]

sus, eto ang mga budget phono stage (< $200)

Music Hall MM/MC $89.95
Project Phonostage $120
Parasound PH/00 about $100
Creek OBH8 $199
Hagerman Bugle $35 (Half kit) $150 (Assembled and tested)
Thorens MM001 $169

[m_shoe_maker]

Hmmmmm....

I'd say, pwede na for starters ang Boulder 2008 and Zanden.

...price range?...

Boulder 2008 = 29,000
Zanden 1200 MC = 15,000

Oh, both in US Dollars.

[m_shoe_maker]

A friend of mine uses a NAD PP-1. He got it brand new for P3,500. He bought it from AVDI about 2 years ago. I'm not sure if AVDI still has stocks.

[stereophile]

MSM-
How is your friends PP-1? How does it sound compared to an MF X-LP? The price is a beater !

[m_shoe_maker]

MSM-
How is your friends PP-1? How does it sound compared to an MF X-LP? The price is a beater !

Well, I heard his PP-1 along with his Rega Planar 2 turntable with RB250, and Clearaudio Beta S cartridge. It was ok. I have owned a MF X-LP, and I was also quite happy with it.

I cannot however give a fair comparison since I heard both units with different systems. But for the price, the NAD is a good way to start one's analog journey if one's pre-amp has no phono stage.