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phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 3:55 pm
by jaybee
So,

I've picked up a lovely Systemdek IIx 900

RB250 arm with a starter goldring Electra cart - to be replaced with a Grado MM at some point

Before I grab a Cambridge 551p, which seems a great little unit, are there others I should consider ( at that price point of <€100)?

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 4:14 pm
by bod
Keep an eye out for Musical Fidelity XLP-S. Should be able to pick one up for about €100 S/H. Very nice pre for the wonga.

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 4:51 pm
by jaybee
cheers bod

can only see the x-lp on the market at the mo' I believe the lps is a good deal better?

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 4:53 pm
by bod
Not sure of the differences as I only ever used the XLPS as opposed to the XLP. My friend has one. Don`t know if he still uses it. I can ask him if you like.

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 4:55 pm
by markof
jaybee wrote:So,

I've picked up a lovely Systemdek IIx 900

RB250 arm with a starter goldring Electra cart - to be replaced with a Grado MM at some point

Before I grab a Cambridge 551p, which seems a great little unit, are there others I should consider ( at that price point of <€100)?
May it bring you many hours of enjoyable listening.
Mark.

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 5:32 pm
by sdiesel77
I would recommend to get the Yaqin MS-22B for only 50€ over your budget.

It's a fabulous tube phono amp ! :)

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/YAQIN-MS-22B-Ste ... 3a78af39f6

Image

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 7:58 pm
by jaybee
markof wrote:
jaybee wrote:So,

I've picked up a lovely Systemdek IIx 900

RB250 arm with a starter goldring Electra cart - to be replaced with a Grado MM at some point

Before I grab a Cambridge 551p, which seems a great little unit, are there others I should consider ( at that price point of <€100)?
May it bring you many hours of enjoyable listening.
Mark.

that's the plan!

of course its also just another avenue for haemorrhaging cash --- I'm already looking at upgrading wiring :-)

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 7:59 pm
by jaybee
sdiesel77 wrote:I would recommend to get the Yaqin MS-22B for only 50€ over your budget.

It's a fabulous tube phono amp ! :)

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/YAQIN-MS-22B-Ste ... 3a78af39f6

Image
do you not get hit with customs?

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 11:20 pm
by sdiesel77
You'd have to be REALLY unlucky. I ordered multiple times from outside EU and never had customs to pay.

Ask the seller to send it as a gift ;-)

Re: phono stages....

Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 9:22 am
by bod
Wiring upgrade is worth every penny. Full Litz loom on eBay is about €80. Fran did the work on my mate`s RB250. Totally transformed it. Highly recommended.