2. analog
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Are You Happy With Your Phono Preamp?

I have been gradually upgrading my analogue components.  Which presently consist of: SME 20/2 turntable (old but good), Kuzma 4Point Tonearm, Soundsmith Hyperion (MI) cartridge (love this), Dynavector (MC) DRT XV1, PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp (connected to ARC Ref 6, Pass Labs 160.8, Avantgarde Uno).  I have to say that I am very happy with the analogue sound from this system.  That said, high end audio being what it is I can’t help wondering if I am leaving some better sound on the table with the PS Audio phono preamp … though I know I should not judge by price alone.  I have been looking alternative phono stages:  the VTL 6.5i, ARC Reference 3SE, Boulder 508, Pass XP17 … this price range.  Those who are long experienced analogue lovers … do you think I am leaving any sound quality on the table by sticking with the PS Audio phono stage? Do you believe that I would see a meaningful change in sound quality by moving to a phono stage in the price range I have been looking at?

chilli42

Showing 1 response by vinylvalet

vinylvalet
866 posts
 

My experience with the PS Audio Stellar phono stage was not good.

See if you can audition a Zesto Audio Andrés Deluxe II phono stage, what I ended up with in my main stereo. Another fully balanced design.

With that said, I agree with several others that the best chance of success is to stay within the same brand. So an ARC model would be the first thing I would want to audition in your system. I use the Zesto Audio Leto Ultra II line stage with my Zesto phono stage for that same reason. Both are great separately but together, IMHO, they are unbeatable at that price point.

Best of luck.

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