Analog Upgrade itch


Hello ! I would like to upgrade my turntable / tonearm / phono preamp 

currently I am using Kuzma Stabi S / Stabi S VTA 12” tonearm / Gold Note PH10 phono amp. 
Gryphon Antelion EVO + Pandora pre , Magico A5 speaker. 

My music preference : 50% classical / 30% pop / 20% modern Jazz 

I like my current cartridge: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt so I am going to keep it. I would like to upgrade my Turntable (possible Linn LP12 or Kuzma Ref2 or any suggestions ) with Kuzma 4 point tonearm (or recommendation in the $ range?). My biggest uncertain is phono amp : I’d like to have warmer sound (tube preferred ) with ideally 2 inputs (Manley Steelhead or EMT126 are recommended by my local dealer but not sure if they are worth the money ) .  I know matching (cartridge / arm / phono stage) is more important in analog system so I’d like everyone’s comments / experience that matches my system. Musicality / warmth is what I’m after rather than microscopic details. Thanks in advance

eddiechanghk

Showing 1 response by audioquest4life

Hello,

Impressive system. You are going to receive lots of differing opinions on suggestions for your needs. Let your ears and market research help you in your decision making process.

My personal recommendation and experiences for a phono amp which describes the “musicality and warmth” is the Aesthetix Io Phono amp. It is to me, a means to an end for achieving musical satisfaction. It is a tubed based unit with tube voltage rectifying power supplies. The factory tubes are great right out of the box, although many have also used other tubes to achieve different levels of sound quality. The Io can also be configured for two inputs, remote, volume controls, and dual power supplies. It can get pricey with all of these options. I had tested and used Einstein and ASR before settling on the Aesthetix Io. Good luck.