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Best Phono stage for a .3 mv Ruby 2 ?

Hi All,
I am currently using an arc ph-3 which is set up for my rega super elys. I just got a new Basis 2500/graham/ruby 2 and find the ph-3 is set too low. I'm going to try clipping in some of the supplied ARC resistors. In searching around I see that quite a few people recommend a solid state preamp with this low output of a cartridge.

What is the best phono stage for a .3mv ruby 2 ?

I have heard that the new lukaschek is quite good with this combination. I also have a used aleph ono on the way.

My system is aleph P/aleph 2/avanti centuries. I do have a vk-5i pre that I'll try with the different phono stages.
john_l

Showing 5 responses by john_l

john_l OP
782 posts
 
The ono is not in production - I got a used one. Wow! Lots of helpful responses. I'm most anxiously looking for feedback on the T9 (newer) lukaschek that TAS gave a product of the year to in 2000. More importantly, I read in an albertporter post that this was quite a good phono stage.

It would also be nice to use something that small because it will tuck in behind (or under ?) my record player & allow me to use an ultra-short phono cable.
john_l OP
782 posts
 
Well I found a review of the ruby 2 in TAS. They used the high end herron with it for a time, then switched to the pp-Lukaschek pp-1 T9. They said it was a closer match to the character of the cartridge, but there was a small loss of detail. I am actually surprised to see that given the minimalist circuitry within the unit.

If might give it a try a little later. I'm experimenting a little with the sound of my system right now, so I don't want to introduce too many variables.

Thanks everyone for your input. What a family !
john_l OP
782 posts
 
Has anyone set up the ph-3 with the ruby 2 ?
I am using the aleph ono now. Very very transparent and revealing. I would like to hear the ph-3 too. Has anyone set up an ph-3 with the ruby ? What resistors do you use ?
My preamp has a variable gain setting for each input, so I can ramp it up.
The ono has 76 db of gain, the ph-3 only 54.
john_l OP
782 posts
 
Has anyone set up the ph-3 with the ruby 2 ?
I am using the aleph ono now. Very very transparent and revealing. I would like to hear the ph-3 too. Has anyone set up an ph-3 with the ruby ? What resistors do you use ?
My preamp has a variable gain setting for each input, so I can ramp it up.
The ono has 76 db of gain, the ph-3 only 54.
john_l OP
782 posts
 
Well All,
I finally settled it with a pass labs ono. I have it set to 47KOhms loading, I'm using maximum 76 db gain to the balanced outputs into my pass labs X1 and seeing superb results. Since it's so low, I didn't even try to set up the ph-3. The ph-3 is still set up ideally for my rega 25 and I didnt' want to change that. Gotta admit these low output cartridges are something special.

I'm seeing such great results I'm not going to change a thing.
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