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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
skucie
57 posts
 

My latest moves have been going from a parasound JC3 to ARC PH8 (cannot understate the level of improvement).  I was blown away.

Shortly after I traded the PH8 in on an ARC Ref Phono 3.  Again, I was absolutely stunned.  I didn't realize what I had been missing.  It seemed like the level of improvement was on the same magnitude as the JC3 to PH8 move (huge).

The rest of my system is ARC and I agree that there is great synergy there.

 

vinylzone
288 posts
 

The PS Audio is a fine unit, but I wound up buying one of the last Herron VTPH-2A phono preamps.  Not even a touch of regret and I've had no desire to make a change there.  You might be able to find one used, but they don't come up often and they go really quick, and for good reason.

 

hifi59's avatar
hifi59
51 posts
 

I’m completely satisfied with my Modwright 9.0X. With the right NOS tubes, it’s sound is in the stratosphere. Favorite tubes used in order of preference

1. Valvo or Philips miniwatt 6922 (PCC88 versions also excellent)

2. Matsushita/Mitsubishi 7dj8 

3. Amperex JAN USA 7308

4. Siemens 7308

5. Bel/India 6922 ( Philips)

6. Amperex PQ 7308 Holland ( great tone but smallish soundstage compared to the others)

gordon
134 posts
 

Yes.  Modwright PH 150.  Above your price, but the 9X is supposed to be close to it in performance.  I too have an SME 20/2 and DV XV1S, but with SME arm.  I’m also using MWI amps.  It’s hard to argue against staying with the same brand for all amps.

 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,040 posts
 

I have the SME 10 tt, and the Icon ps 3 phono pre with HANA MC cart, Totally Happy.

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