Pre Amp with Phono Stage

Didn't want to increase my box count

Bob, you don't mention a budget.  Ideally then, if the budget is considerable and you don't want to increase the box count, how about a NAC552 and a s/h Prefix?  

Otherwise, more reasonably, you could consider the Prefix with any number of other pre-amp options, or maybe even a Supernait 2. But as ever, it all depends on the budget - i.e. what you'd like spend and your absolute spending limit...

Thanks Richard The Prefix is an option

I was thinking maybe 202  , Hicap , 250 DR , with a  seperate phono stage maybe but would have liked it in the pre amp

IME, the phono boards in CB and Olive generation preamps are fine if you are using a MM cartridge. After stepping up to a MC , the S,K boards can be easily bettered by a separate phono preamp

I've never heard a Prefix, but it has a good reputation when powered by a separate PS ( or the 552 as Richard has noted  , but this will bring another box into your rack.

I think you will find that getting the best from your TT will require adding another box- good luck!

ATB,

Mark

Nac202 with NAP250 is the ring way around - always ensure the preamp is a match or better than the power amp as its the more critical part of the pair. 

How about a NAC282 with NAP200? Prefix can be powered from the preamp or from a Hicap. Or, of vinyl is the main source, a hicap or even a Superline with a Supercap. Now we're really talking. Spend what's left on the amp, even if it can only stretch to a NAIT. 

Sorry, I meant wrong not ring. iPhone autocorrect... 

thanks for the advice

... or buy a serviced 52 with the phono boards that you would like for your cartridge.  

It is quite a good pre-amp and will go with anything from a NAP140 to even a NAP500, as it did in the early days of the NAP500.

Best regards, FT

Ah yes, good call from FT. A nice serviced NAC52 and Supercap. It can also power a prefix,and that would be my choice over the internal cards.