If you have a medium to high output moving coil cartridge, or a MM cartridge, look into the VTL. I believe it costs about $1100. It's an all-tube unit. I think the dealer has to take care of the cartridge loading, though. I am using one with an old Spectral cartridge and a Quicksilver step-up transformer (into the moving magnet input). The output of the Spectral itself is too low to use the MC input without a lot of tube noise, but with the step-up it's fine. And the sound is ravishing.
Best phono stage for $1500....
I need a phono stage to go with my new preamp purchase (CJ PFR). Other than the CJ EV-1 (which is its vinyl complement), are there any that come to mind? I want to spend no more than $1500 but I don't want to be disappointed when I upgrade to a 'Baby Art' (PV-16L) I saw a Linn Linto for about $900 which looks intriguing....There are lots of devices out there and it gets to be a little overwhelming.
Need lots of gain with the PF-R, it seems. I had an old Electro pre-pre amp I used with the PV-5 and it didn't hack it with the PF-R, so I need adjustable loading. As far as cartridges go, I'm using an MC but would also like to use MM's on occasion.
Need lots of gain with the PF-R, it seems. I had an old Electro pre-pre amp I used with the PV-5 and it didn't hack it with the PF-R, so I need adjustable loading. As far as cartridges go, I'm using an MC but would also like to use MM's on occasion.
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