Phono stages

[Diapason]

Morning. My amp hunting at the moment is being curtailed by my need for a phono stage, and I'm starting to think I should just get a separate phono stage so I have more flexibility. Any suggestions? Must have MM and MC capability, and preferably with adjustable loading and capacitance. I'm not sure about budget, but 500ish maybe?

[Fran]

https://www.adverts.ie/home-audio/dynav ... e/22963721

[Fran]

I hear good things about those Dynavector stages - was it Claus that had one here?

[Ivor]

I hear good things about those Dynavector stages - was it Claus that had one here?

And I think Terry G had that one before Claus

[Terry]

I hear good things about those Dynavector stages - was it Claus that had one here?

And I think Terry G had that one before Claus

I have a P75 Mk3 Ivor (Claus had a Mk2). It’s in great shape. Have it for sale as my Accuphase has a fine phono stage on board.

If interested Simon, I can set it up for you to take away for a listen. Would need to know your cartridge as the unit uses a clever system of easily adjusted ‘jumpers’ to match loading etc.

Terry

[james]

Here is a phono stage costing £13.5k ...

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superio ... iaa.htm

[Diapason]

Thanks all, and thanks for offer of a listen to that Dynavector. I'll dither for a while longer, as always!

[Fran]

The Tom Evans ones always get great reviews, as do Graham Slee and Whest, not sure what models they have in the range you're talking about. I think you're at a break point here Si. I think if you make up your mind about future direction you can save yourself money in the future. So if you are thinking strongly that you are going to upgrade cartridge, and maybe TT at some point not too far away, then it makes sense to allocate more funds to buy a phonostage thats a "keeper" and has the adjustability for MM or MC. Buy once and keep - and if you buy with adjustability in mind, then you will be pretty sure it will work with whatever cartridge you ever end up with. GerryD's Gold Note PH10 is a good example of this - huge adjustability, with alternate curves for Decca etc, gain adjustments, loading of every kind. It'll be more spendy than you mentioned, but its a buy once while keeping flexibility for down the line.

[Ivor]

Agree with Fran, if you can get a destination phono stage then do. If funds allow and it has reasonable flexibility it's a once off purchase.

[Diapason]

Leaving aside James's €13.5k suggestion (!) any other suggestions for destination phono stages? At this point, it seems clear the vinyl is here to stay, I'm already eyeing a TT upgrade, and I know that at some point an MC cart will feature. It's a balancing act, of course...