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Thread: Thinking to replace my phono
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February 24, 2020, 10:22 AM #1
Thinking to replace my phono
Hi All,
I was wondering, what are the benefits I can get by replacing the phono stage with a more expensive one, say - 8K$-11K$?
My current analog setup made from Brinkmann Bardo turntable & 10.5 arm, Miyajima-Laboratory Kansui cartridge, Zesto Andros PS phono. The above setup connects to Luxman C\M900u pre+amp and Magico S3mk2 speakers.
Any thought or knowledge is welcome.
Thanks
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February 24, 2020, 12:04 PM #2
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- Jun 2013
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- 1,068
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
Really tough call, as I’ve found there are a lot of phono stages available, at prices that can become stratospheric. Very difficult to audition as the whole analog front end is such a “system” of cart, cable, phono stage, and cable again. Lots of sideways moves that will bring a slight improvement in one area to sacrifice something in another. The used market is great for phono stages as its about the only way to hear pieces in your rig.
I was headed down the road of getting an Ypsilon, but turned out the step-up transformers wouldn’t mate well with my cartridge, so abandoned the new phono stage hunt and have chosen to get a new cartridge instead.
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February 24, 2020, 03:08 PM #3
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
Sage advise above from Bob V. IMO.........
IMO when people start 'throwing' $$ at their systems it's very much a ego / audio forum thing ..........Cheers ! …. Dave
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February 24, 2020, 05:01 PM #4
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
thanks for the replay, i love my cartrige, so replacing is not an option at the moment.
i'll check some other phonos like PASS, Brinkmann and mybe Moon to see if the diffarence worth the money.
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February 24, 2020, 05:03 PM #5
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
why is it anyone concern what one does with his money?
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February 24, 2020, 05:16 PM #6
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- Nov 2014
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- 227
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
You seem to have a pretty well balanced high-end system, so the only way you're going to get useful information here is to audition phono stages in your own home (dealer loaners, or buy/sell on audiogon). Also consider trying some of the more exotic outboard SUTs to see if you can find a better match for your cartridge (run the Zesto in MM mode), though the ones in the Zesto should already be pretty good. And of course with a tube phono you can always try rolling some super NOS 12ax7 tubes - it can make a difference!
In your price range I have the VAC Renaissance phono stage and love it (I do use an outboard SUT though - its built in Lundahls aren't my favorite)! But I haven't heard the Andros to compare.
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February 24, 2020, 05:23 PM #7
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- Jun 2013
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- 1,068
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
I wasn’t suggesting you take the same path as myself wrt cartridge, thats just where I chose to go as my phono stage, upon a bit of comparison, is actually very good. At the reference level it sometimes is a matter of degrees and finesse/nuance. I’m likely to get more upgrading my cart as my Benz LPS is very good but not compared to some of the latest offerings from Otofon (Anna Diamond), Etsuro, or VdH to name a few. I’m jonesing for the Etsuro Gold.
There’s room for improvement with your phono, I was suggesting the used market for bang-for-buck, and ability to audition as until you have it in your own system you’re just guessing anyway.
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February 25, 2020, 02:33 AM #8
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
i truly love your advice turning to second hand market, the issue is to wait for the right component....guess i'll have to be patient.
Many Thanks
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February 25, 2020, 02:34 AM #9
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February 25, 2020, 07:32 AM #10
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
You will be slightly exceeding your top end of budget, but you mentioned Brinkmann, and I would start that there with their Roont power supply.
IMO the Brinkmann combo is tough to beat.
Sent from my iPhone 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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February 25, 2020, 08:24 AM #11
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February 27, 2020, 09:49 AM #12
- Join Date
- Jan 2017
- Location
- Leyden
- Posts
- 596
Re: Thinking to replace my phono
Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
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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.
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Did you read the trade up program posted above? It doesn’t apply to the Cascade. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
New Cascade DAC