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Thread: Favorite affordable phono stage
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May 22, 2020, 06:48 PM #1
Favorite affordable phono stage
Mike started a thread asking for peoples favorite phono stage below $15k. Good idea except I would prefer to hear about phono stages that hard working audio fans can afford, let's say below $3k. I know of maybe 1 or 2 people in our audio club of 90 people who might be able to consider a $15k phono stage, however many could swing a $2-$3k one.
I am thinking about the Rega Aria, PS Audio Steller, Parasound JC3+, SimAudio MOON 310, or maybe something like the Wyred 4 Sound PH1. Any thoughts?McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 22, 2020, 06:52 PM #2
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I heard that Parasound is awesome.
Below $500, we’ve been really impressed with the SimAudio 110LP v2. We literally order them by the case load!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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May 22, 2020, 07:05 PM #3
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
We're big fans of the Vertere PHONO-1 designed by none other than Touraj Moghaddam, the founder of Roksan. $1,795 Canadian dollars (USD retail is $1,599). With his company, Vertere, he's gone well beyond the analogue products he designed when he was with Roksan.
Everest Audio
www.everestaudio.com
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bel canto, Hegel, Vimberg, Opera, MoFi, Acoustic Energy, JL Audio, Innuos, Vertere, Meze Audio, Origin Live, GutWire, Wireworld, Furutech, IsoAcoustics and more
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May 22, 2020, 07:06 PM #4
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Agreed on the SimAudio MOON 110LP v2. Nice phono stage for great price! I currently prefer the the Rega Fono MC, but I am 100% sure that is because of the synergy of Rega, and their designing the units specifically for their cartridges and tables. I have heard, but do not know for sure, that a vast majority of their cartridges and phono stages are purchased to be used with their tables.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 22, 2020, 07:17 PM #5
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 22, 2020, 07:25 PM #6
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Everest Audio
www.everestaudio.com
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bel canto, Hegel, Vimberg, Opera, MoFi, Acoustic Energy, JL Audio, Innuos, Vertere, Meze Audio, Origin Live, GutWire, Wireworld, Furutech, IsoAcoustics and more
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May 22, 2020, 11:01 PM #7
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Dynavector P75 Mk4.
Its a ripper.
Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
EQ: DEQX HDP-4
Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
Speakers: Wilson Maxx3
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May 23, 2020, 04:49 AM #8
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Randy, the Octave EQ2 costs about 2K I believe, it’s very understated, but the best I have heard anywhere in that price range.
http://www.octave.de/en/htdocs/verst...phono_eq_2.php
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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May 23, 2020, 09:12 AM #9McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 23, 2020, 03:14 PM #10
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May 23, 2020, 04:01 PM #11
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I own the Parasound JC3+ and really like it. I used to own the battery operated MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS - Nova II Phono Preamplifier which was good but do like the JC3 better.
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May 23, 2020, 07:21 PM #12
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
The Rega cartridge is fairly low output. 60db setting on the SimAudio did work well and sounded good but did require me to turn the volume considerably higher than other components. The 66 dB setting worked a bit better in my view. Using the 69.5db gain on the Rega phono stage does work better, but still considerably lower than the digital side, which is really not a big deal. I do prefer to get that difference (of how high I need to turn the volume control) at least a little bit closer. But again it is not a huge deal. I know with the digital I will normally have the volume between 25 and 35, with vinyl it will normally be between 35 and 45 .
The Hattor has no gain, which is absolute fine by me. The selectable gain of 3/6/9 dB is an option. Arek also has an optional external tube gain stage. However, I do not want nor require gain in my line stage. The Hattor is an amazing sounding passive line stage without gain, unless your chosen amplifier requires some gain (then you can add the optional gain). The T+A does not need any gain from the line stage from what I can see.
My only desire for more gain in the phono stage is to try and close the gap between the vinyl setup and my digital or my tuner for that matter. By the way, I have the volume section by passed on both the T+A DAC and the McIntosh tuner.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 24, 2020, 04:10 AM #13
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I can highly recommend my remton 383 II MM/MC phonostage. It's € 1,500. It's pretty loud (79 dB) so use a low output MC.
hifi:
power: Audioplan Powerstar, Audioplan Finefilter, Audioplan Powerplant, Powercord
tube amp: Jadis DA 50 Signature RC, Line Magnetic 508ia
speaker: Living Voice Avatar 2
turntable: Pro-Ject Xtension 10 + Ortofon Quintet Black MC
phono stage: Remton 383 MKII
cables: Audioplan Musicable bic 7a, Profigold, Wilbrand
home-cinema: Sony blu-ray, Yamaha rx v2700, Heco Metas 700 (4x), Heco center
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May 24, 2020, 09:26 AM #14
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
This one looks very interesting. Not 100% sure I would want a tube phono stage but certainly worthy of consideration. It does not appear to be distributed in the US though from what I can tell looking at their dealers list on their website. Is it even available in US voltage?
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 24, 2020, 10:48 AM #15
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
you might have a look at the gold note ph-10 -- seems to be quite well regarded.
viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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May 24, 2020, 11:16 AM #16
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
hifi:
power: Audioplan Powerstar, Audioplan Finefilter, Audioplan Powerplant, Powercord
tube amp: Jadis DA 50 Signature RC, Line Magnetic 508ia
speaker: Living Voice Avatar 2
turntable: Pro-Ject Xtension 10 + Ortofon Quintet Black MC
phono stage: Remton 383 MKII
cables: Audioplan Musicable bic 7a, Profigold, Wilbrand
home-cinema: Sony blu-ray, Yamaha rx v2700, Heco Metas 700 (4x), Heco center
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May 24, 2020, 01:46 PM #17
- Join Date
- Jun 2013
- Posts
- 1,068
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I had one of the original Moon LP phono stages, which was very good and that was, I think, almost a decade ago. It played well above its price point, I haven’t heard the latest. If they’ve improved it without big price increase it would surely be a recommendation for this price point.
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May 24, 2020, 02:16 PM #18
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Keces Ephono & Ephono Power Supply for $700. Two separate chassis. XLR outputs. External settings for gain and impedance. MC & MM. I have had this in my system since December. A huge improvement over my Audio by Van Alstine phono preamp.
Michael Fremer is doing a review on this, and their other model-Sphono & Sphono Power Supply.
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May 24, 2020, 03:44 PM #19
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I think the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS is underappreciated. I'll also add a vote for the Simaudio Moon 310LP and Bryston BP-2 units.
Neko Audio
Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.
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May 24, 2020, 03:49 PM #20
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Easy.
Gold Note PH-10. In the $1500-$2500 price range, the PH-10 as the best feature set, an innovative control interface and accurate, lively, rich and dynamic sound quality. It also scales really well, performing at its full potential with the most complex and demanding music. There also different equalization curves you can invoke including RIAA, Columbia, and Decca curves.
The Single-Knob Control provides all of the phonostage’s settings, such as cartridge type (moving-magnet
or moving-coil), equalization, gain, and impedance oading can quickly and easily be set using the SKC and color
display
You can read my review of it in the current issue of The Absolute Sound, Issue 5.20
Pics here by yours truly taken for the review:
There is also an add-on external power supply you can add for another $1000 that takes the performance up a considerable notch.
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May 24, 2020, 03:56 PM #21
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I read the review and thought that this sounded interesting... I got to pull out the issue and reread the review. Thanks for reminding me!
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 24, 2020, 11:32 PM #22
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Stephan, I came across this when looking and thought this seemed to be a very nice piece, and it’s Italian
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk ProSource Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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May 25, 2020, 09:10 AM #23
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Manely Chinook with Philips PCC88/7DJ8 tubes.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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May 25, 2020, 10:28 AM #24
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Many good suggestions. Most I have heard of, others not. All appear to have good quality behind them. Thank you for the suggestions. Seems like there are some very good choices in this price level!
Would love to continue hearing your opinions and suggestions.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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May 27, 2020, 03:25 PM #25
- Join Date
- Nov 2018
- Posts
- 3
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I vote for Ear PhonoBox MM/MC Chrome
Great tube phono designed by Tim De Paravicini .
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May 27, 2020, 04:09 PM #26
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
While my current phono-pre (Fosgate Signature) is longer available (new) I have zero interest in replacing it so long as it sounds as good as it does ...........
Fosgate Signature Phonostage Preamplifier & Fozgometer Azimuth Range Meter | The Absolute SoundCheers ! …. Dave
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June 2, 2020, 08:20 AM #27
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
avid hifi has 4 phono stage models which are ascending in functionality and, presumably, price -- they look quite interesting but i have not heard any of them. seems well worth investigating.
viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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June 2, 2020, 08:50 AM #28
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I do have a line on one that is on my short list... a SimAudio MOON 310LP. We will see if it works out.
I really like the SimAudio 110LP v2 that I own, I simply thought the Rega was a slightly better match for my cartridge. But the 310 has a much better power supply, is internally dual mono in design, uses upgrade higher level parts, and most important it has balanced output and 72db gain!
Arek from Hattor very much wanted me to try a balanced phono stage. He believes that a balanced connection into the line stage is a nice improvement in conjunction with using a balanced output to the amplifier.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 2, 2020, 09:03 AM #29
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
We have all four Avid Phonostage in the store. They are surprisingly good. Sleepers. The top model which has a separate power supply is as good as anything we’ve heard under $10K. The entry level model certainly competes as well with similarly priced Phonostages.
Randy, the Sim is fantastic. If you’re considering that, the Pass XP17 is the shocker for us. Pass loaned us one for the Florida show and we loved it. We’ve ordered a XP27 because of how good the 17 sounded. The front adjustments will help with the various TT’s we have.
As a side, I was reading the latest TAS this morning and the reviewer was comparing the expensive TIDAL Phonostage to his SimAudio 810. Let’s just say, in a nice way, he said the 810 buried it.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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June 2, 2020, 10:51 AM #30
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Nice... the Pass would be a good choice, but we will see how the deal on the SimAudio works out. It is one year old and we are working out a possible trade... so maybe it will work. I think it would be a very nice upgrade for me if we can make it happen.
Update: Ok, it looks like the deal on the SimAudio MOON 310LP is a go. I am looking forward to receiving the unit!McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 3, 2020, 04:05 AM #31
- Join Date
- Feb 2015
- Location
- DC area
- Posts
- 50
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
The two phonostages that are very affordable that have stood out to me are the MoFi Studiophono for $300, it will handle both MM and MC cartridges and is is quiet even at the 66db loading, sound is much better than I expected.
The second is the E.A.T. E-Glo petit for $1500.00. this was insanley good for the money. Lots of easy to get to loading options and very quiet while using the 70db gain option. If you add the E.A.T. LPS linear power supply for $1300 it gets even better at everything it already does well.Audionet Pre g2, Max, Pam G2, EPX. Yg Acoustics, Kubala Sosna
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June 3, 2020, 08:29 AM #32
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Posts
- 531
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
The 'parks audio' "puffin" phono DSP pre-amp sure looks interesting.
Parks Audio
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June 10, 2020, 12:09 AM #33
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
I appreciate all the info and suggestions. Very informative! I have chosen a new phono stage. Came across a deal and trade on one high on my list! I am now the proud owner of a SimAudio MOON 310LP!!!
Please keep the discussion going. I love reading about other brands and other Shark members opinions!McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 10, 2020, 10:28 AM #34
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Congrats Randy, let us know of your listening impressions
Cheers ! …. Dave
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June 10, 2020, 01:29 PM #35
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 11, 2020, 02:35 PM #36
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Staten Island, NY
- Posts
- 60
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
The Herron VTPH-2a is really nice piece for around $3000 also, K&k Audio Maxxed-out Phonostage.
Joe
Main: Jay's Audio CDT2mk.2 transport & Audio Mirror tubadour III SE DAC, Lyra Kleos SL Cartridge, VPI Classic III with 3D tone arm, K&K Audio premium maxxed-out phonostage, Supratek Sauvignon (highly modded) Tube preamp, Coincident Speaker Tech 300b Frankenstein mk.2 mono blocks, First Watt SIT-3 amp, Horning Eufrodite Ellipse speakers, PurePower 1500+,PI Audio DigiBuss
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June 14, 2020, 09:47 PM #37
- Join Date
- Oct 2015
- Location
- New York City Metro Area
- Posts
- 443
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June 30, 2020, 02:51 PM #38
Re: Favorite affordable phono stage
Folks, since a phonostage was mentioned, just recently we launched a black little thing known as iPhono3 Black Label, and there's an ongoing competition:
Who is up for the iPhono3 Black Label #NoiseFloorChallenge?
Have a chance to win a prestigious iFi audio PowerStation for taking part! Find out more and how to enter HERE!
Entries close 31st July!Our NEO Stream is HERE!
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
I upgraded the power supply on my Gigafoil v4 to a Weiss PSU 102. It’s very nice step up. But with the new model, you’re looking at $2000 before even investing in a SOTA linear power supply.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter