Phonostage recommendations
Phonostage recommendations
I am contemplating the purchase of a new phonostage. I currently own a Pro-ject Tube Box SE II valve phonostage which I find to be a very good unit but I now want to take it to the next level. There are a number of TT owners out there so what phonostages do people use? Are you using external or built in phonostages? I have a pre/power amplifier set up which does not have a built in phonostage and changing that is not really an option so I am looking for an external component. I also require MC capability. My budget will be around 1000-1200 euros. I will of course take a trip to Cloney’s but I would be very grateful for any user’s thoughts on the subject and if anyone has anything for sale please let me know.
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Interesting question.... what to go for with 1200 to spend approximately?
Audio Affair in the UK have a interesting site with photos and prices, 10 pages in fact.
http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/hifi/turnt ... ono-stages
Some stages which come to mind are, Thorens TP302, Croft, Quad valve phono stage etc etc.
Other considerations would be Clearaudio... who make very good stuff, picking up a second hand Audio Research PH phono stage would be an idea.
However it would be good if you could see other phono stages in action with the other members.
One priority would be the type of cartridge you intend to use, MC or MM and the loading.... and of course how easy is it to adjust the loading? Does the phono stage offer adjustable settings or does it have to be sent away?
Audio Affair in the UK have a interesting site with photos and prices, 10 pages in fact.
http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/hifi/turnt ... ono-stages
Some stages which come to mind are, Thorens TP302, Croft, Quad valve phono stage etc etc.
Other considerations would be Clearaudio... who make very good stuff, picking up a second hand Audio Research PH phono stage would be an idea.
However it would be good if you could see other phono stages in action with the other members.
One priority would be the type of cartridge you intend to use, MC or MM and the loading.... and of course how easy is it to adjust the loading? Does the phono stage offer adjustable settings or does it have to be sent away?
Let the Good Times Roll...................
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Thank you for that Adrian; I will check out that link a littel later on.
Clearaudio would definitely be a consideration and would be one of the items that I would like to discuss in Cloneys.
Adjustable settings would be important. I have ruled out Tom Evans for that very reason. I have heard at least 3 different Tom Evans units and all were top quality but I like the idea of changing cartridges (I currently own 4 different types) and do not want to have to send my unit away each time that I want to change my cart.
This is a little bit of a tricky one in that I do not want to buy "blind" when spending that sort of money hence my interest in other members' experiences.
Clearaudio would definitely be a consideration and would be one of the items that I would like to discuss in Cloneys.
Adjustable settings would be important. I have ruled out Tom Evans for that very reason. I have heard at least 3 different Tom Evans units and all were top quality but I like the idea of changing cartridges (I currently own 4 different types) and do not want to have to send my unit away each time that I want to change my cart.
This is a little bit of a tricky one in that I do not want to buy "blind" when spending that sort of money hence my interest in other members' experiences.
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Hi Fergus. I think the Cyrus Phono X and PSU used item in Cloney is really very good. I had it for a while. Outdid some more expensive ones for sure. No bling factor. Worth an audition IMHO. Actually if it doesn't grab you I may buy it.
"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking" - Henry Ford
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Hi Fergus,
I'm using a Dynavector P75 MKIII. Works very well. It uses a system of 'jumpers' that are user adjustable to suit mm and mc cartridges of different sensitivities and loadings. Sounds great and you're more than welcome to drop by for a listen if it suited. Costs a shade under £700.
Terry
Good description here... http://totallywired.co.nz/dynavector_p75mk3.html
http://www.audiocounsel.co.uk/wp-conten ... choice.pdf
http://hifilounge.co.uk/dynavector-p-75 ... eamplifier
I'm using a Dynavector P75 MKIII. Works very well. It uses a system of 'jumpers' that are user adjustable to suit mm and mc cartridges of different sensitivities and loadings. Sounds great and you're more than welcome to drop by for a listen if it suited. Costs a shade under £700.
Terry
Good description here... http://totallywired.co.nz/dynavector_p75mk3.html
http://www.audiocounsel.co.uk/wp-conten ... choice.pdf
http://hifilounge.co.uk/dynavector-p-75 ... eamplifier
System 1. LP12/Mose Hercules/Ittok LVII/ATOC9III, Dynavector P75 MkIII, Denon DCD-A100, iPad/AirPlay, Accuphase e303x, Gale gs401a.
System2. iMac/Tidal, iFI Dac, Dynavector L200 pre, Croft Iosis, Sonus Faber Auditor M.
System2. iMac/Tidal, iFI Dac, Dynavector L200 pre, Croft Iosis, Sonus Faber Auditor M.
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Well spotted Gerry, I completely forgot about the Cyrus.... Should be interesting..
http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archi ... -amplifier
http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archi ... -amplifier
Let the Good Times Roll...................
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Thank you for that recommendation Gerry. I am not interested in bling or shiny boxes just a good solid component. One for the List.Gerry D wrote:Hi Fergus. I think the Cyrus Phono X and PSU used item in Cloney is really very good. I had it for a while. Outdid some more expensive ones for sure. No bling factor. Worth an audition IMHO. Actually if it doesn't grab you I may buy it.
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
Re: Phonostage recommendations
Terry wrote:Hi Fergus,
I'm using a Dynavector P75 MKIII. Works very well. It uses a system of 'jumpers' that are user adjustable to suit mm and mc cartridges of different sensitivities and loadings. Sounds great and you're more than welcome to drop by for a listen if it suited. Costs a shade under £700.
Terry
Good description here... http://totallywired.co.nz/dynavector_p75mk3.html
http://www.audiocounsel.co.uk/wp-conten ... choice.pdf
http://hifilounge.co.uk/dynavector-p-75 ... eamplifier
Thank you for that Terry. Your TT and speakers are the same brands as mine so I would definitely be interested in hearing your system as I should be familiar with the sound (other than your amp). Will PM later.
To be is to do: Socrates
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra
To do is to be: Sartre
Do be do be do: Sinatra