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  1. #1
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    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  2. #2
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    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!


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  3. #3
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    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.
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  4. #4
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    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  5. #5
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Everest Audio View Post
    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.
    The Vertere looks like a very nice piece. I would be afraid that the 61.4 max gain might not be enough for me. 66 dB on the SimAudio and 69.5 on the Rega are enough, but wouldn't mind a bit more. The 72 dB on the Steller is intriguing.
    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  6. #6
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    The Vertere looks like a very nice piece. I would be afraid that the 61.4 max gain might not be enough for me. 66 dB on the SimAudio and 69.5 on the Rega are enough, but wouldn't mind a but more. The 72 dB on the Steller is intriguing.
    We have used the Vertere with a 0.28mV cartridge and it did work absolutely fine, but I can see where someone might want a little more gain for sure with a very low output cartridge.
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  7. #7
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    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
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  8. #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


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  9. #9
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    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
    Not a bad looking piece!
    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  10. #10
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Everest Audio View Post
    We have used the Vertere with a 0.28mV cartridge and it did work absolutely fine, but I can see where someone might want a little more gain for sure with a very low output cartridge.
    Randy's requirement for a higher gain phono stage is likely due to his Hattor linestage, with its minimal available gain of 3/6/9dB. Not an issue with digital sources but with analog the available gain becomes a consideration.

  11. #11

    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.

  12. #12
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    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  13. #13
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    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:
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    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

  14. #14
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by tube-vds View Post
    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.
    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) | 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”
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  15. #15
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    you might have a look at the gold note ph-10 -- seems to be quite well regarded.
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  16. #16
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    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?
    I don't know if there is a 110V version, but i'm sure there is a good solution for that. In Europe the dealer even allows for 2 week testing for a very low charge (transport fee).
    hifi:
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    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

  17. #17
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    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.

  18. #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.

  19. #19
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    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.
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  20. #20
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    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.

  21. #21
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    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  22. #22
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    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 Favorite affordable phono stage


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  23. #23
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    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)

  24. #24
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    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) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  25. #25

    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    I vote for Ear PhonoBox MM/MC Chrome
    Great tube phono designed by Tim De Paravicini .

  26. #26
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    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 Sound
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  27. #27
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    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 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
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  28. #28
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    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) | 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"
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  29. #29
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    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.
    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.
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  30. #30
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    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) | 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”
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  31. #31
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    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

  32. #32
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    The 'parks audio' "puffin" phono DSP pre-amp sure looks interesting.
    Parks Audio

  33. #33
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    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) | 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

  34. #34
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Congrats Randy, let us know of your listening impressions
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  35. #35
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikado463 View Post
    Congrats Randy, let us know of your listening impressions
    First evening listening it was very impressive. I also believe it will probably need a bit of breaking back in. It is about a year old but I assume has not been used for a while. I totally expect it to get a bit better still.
    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) | 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

  36. #36
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    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

  37. #37
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    Re: Favorite affordable phono stage

    Quote Originally Posted by jbtrio View Post
    The Herron VTPH-2a is really nice piece for around $3000 also, K&k Audio Maxxed-out Phonostage.
    The Herron TPH-2a lists for $3650. There’s one that looks awesome on Audiogon for $2850.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  38. #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!

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Favorite affordable phono stage

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