Phonomena II - Some products DO make a differnce

ohbythebay

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Well folks...thanks to our good friend Jeff of A/V Solutions, I got to try some Phono Stages a bit higher end than my $49 miracle. :evil:

I wont talk about anything else other than the one I BOUGHT which is the Phonomena II. There is no hype with this phono stage, its all true. I have tested so many from $50 to $400 and really, none of those beat my $50 stage (with a SUT) until now. Yes, its a $600 phono stage but in this case you are getting what you pay for.

First, the setup is clear and easy with details on how to set the gain (I left mine at the default factory 60db) and most important for MC carts, the loading. Some stages don't have this feature and if they do, they limit the choices. The Phonomena II lets you choose between the following:

30, 40, 50, 59, 80, 100, 121, 150, 243, 280, 380, 475, 660, 1k, 2k, 50k, 100k Ohms

That is quite a range and rule of thumb (as per Jeff and from prior knowledge) you want to set the loading at roughly 10 x the coil impedence for the cartridge. Mine is 12ohms so x 10 = 120ohms...I chose the 121 as 100 (which tends to be the standard on many) and 250 which others have is too low (higher the number, lower the loading). 121 was and is a perfect sweet spot.

It also has capacitance loading which most people associate with MM carts however; setting the 200pf if for your cables, not your cart.

From the first cut of Peter Gabriel I had a smile. The sound was exactly what I was seeking and I did not have that sense of "oh, what should I tweak" or "can I get used to this". I was used to it from the jump. Clear highs with detail but no "brightness" that takes away from the sound. Crisp bass, solid and strong but not dull. Mids were right where they should be and I noticed more separation and soundstage than usual. Especially when I played Herb Alpert and the trumpet moved right. Thought I was imbalanced until I played other things and realized, I am hearing Herb where he was, not squished to the middle.

Moved on to Cat Stevens and the guitar pick in Wild World was right there...as was the Cat Man himself...his voice was clear, never screechy. Every instrument on every record was clear and distinct with that wide separation and soundstage. Truly it is refreshing to have this reaction to the music right out of the box...and I don't even have to play A/B with my old phono stage to compare. It is crystal clear which sounds better.

So is it worth the price? I would say Hell Yeah ...but remember too, cost is relative. A $1400 table, $600 cart...a $600 phono stage is in line. Would I do this on a $200 table and $100 cart...no. It would be like putting a BMW 500 series body on a Chevy Volt. The package wrapping is great but will never make the mechanics better than the are. Same with the Phonomena II.

Like my Concept table, this is a balanced first step into audiophile quality. Stepping away from the average into the above average and loving it.

For Doug, you made the right choice !

Hope you guys enjoy the review....And thanks to Jeff Again for making it happen and the 1.5 hour chat by phone today..LOL
 
Thanks for the write up Rob! Glad Jeff was so helpful and that the phonostage is indeed delivering a big difference for you and giving you the sound you seek. Congrats on a really nice vinyl rig!
 
Thank you Mike !!! Really loving it...Now I am not allowed to talk to Jeff for a few months because he is one friend that COSTS ME MONEY !!! LOL
 
Ha!

Congratulations Rob. I'm glad to see you enjoying your new phono stage.
 
Nice Phono stage! I have changed direction in my Denon TT setup. I have decided to put it off for a while, what's a few more months when I've been waiting for 12 so far? The reason I"m putting off is because I need to address the elephant in the room before throwing even a dollar at the TT. I was thinking about getting the ART $49 job while I save up for the Phonomena. However, I will have to stick with the ART or what have you when I get there because I can't use the Phonomena with my TT. It won't do anything to improve the sound no matter what due to the tonearm and connectors. In order for the Phonomena to perform I would need to get something like a Concept TT and that will never happen. I can't wrap my head around a four digit table to spin a used record personally, so I would rather live with whatever limitations I have in my current TT and be happy. Yes, that is very possible to do!:D I really like the Phonomena a lot and wish I could use it, but it's just not in the cards.
 
Great write up Rob. Jeff is great, even though every time I talk to him my wallet gets lighter too! I'm glad to hear how much you like the Phonomena, especially since you have such experience with those giant killer cheapie phono stages.

So what's next? :evil:
 
Great write up Rob. Jeff is great, even though every time I talk to him my wallet gets lighter too! I'm glad to hear how much you like the Phonomena, especially since you have such experience with those giant killer cheapie phono stages.

So what's next? :evil:
Haha, I know the feeling too well. But you know what, they all turn out to be great purchases! Jeff does not steer anyone wrong!:coolyeah:
 
Haha, I know the feeling too well. But you know what, they all turn out to be great purchases! Jeff does not steer anyone wrong!:coolyeah:

No ...he does not steer anyone wrong...he is just a crafty pickpocket...I found myself reaching for the credit card, reciting the numbers...like hypnosis...LOL

Been listening all day...VERY pleased with my purchase....:woot:
 
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