Melos makes a very nice phono stage called the PS-1 which is a dual mono design, outboard power supply and completely variable cartridge loading for left and right channels. Black faceplate with gold knobs matches their SHA-GOLD and other preamps. Price approx. $1000-$1200. |
geez...it's got to be the sonic frontiers phono 1...hands down! a $2000 piece...one can pick up a used unit for about $1000 to $1200 in mint condition. tube hybrid design...very very highly rated. one of the best!!!! |
Sheesh, it's got to be the Phonomena with battery power supply...hands down!!! |
One that has recently been released, and I'm DYING to hear is the new Michell Delphini. The dual mono version would be the ultimate, but the stereo version with highly regulated power supply goes for $2395 U.S. Rave reviews thus far. Geeez....Sheeesh.....:-) Keep your eyes (and ears) on this one, Audiogoners...... |
He said "just" over a grand, not several grand. If we're talking several, then the Aesthetix Io, and then the Jeff Rowland Cadence phono in second place. |
Try to find a used Audible Illusions Modulus 3,it usually sells between $700-$800 in the used market.Nothing compared. |
Doh! Basic Delphini is $1295. Upgrade later to highly regulated power supply. Sheesh....Geeez... |
vendetta-research the ultimate in phono preamps |
I have the EAR 834P and love it. Very musical. There is also a guy named Steve Huntley from Graet Northern Sound Co. that is doing some killer mods to the 834 that bring it past the AR PH3. For not tons of money. The 834 goes new for $895. plus the mod goes between $400-500. Thats right around your budget. I have not gotten the mod yet so I can't speak for it. Steve was fromery of Audio Research, Cal Audio Labs and Wadia. Not a bad resume. If you can find a used or demo of the EAR that would really be a great value. I found a demo for $625. Best of luck. Oh yeah in case you want to talk to Steve, he can give you the low down on most of the preamps mentioned here, his number is 651-578-0657 |
For me the best is vendetta-research, but I cannot find it in Italy; if you can help me.... my e-mail is remogius@tin.it many thanks! |
The BEST phono stage for under a grand is MINE!! But you will have to get a Rogue99 to get one.I had the very highly regarded Lehmann Black Cube before I got my Rogue99 with phono.I replaced the phono tubes with 12AX7 Telefunkins and 12AU7 Radiotechniques.This combo destroys the Lehmann.If the Lehmann is a CLASS B then my Rogue phono is a VERY HIGH CLASS A. The phono sells for $400.00 the N.O.S. tubes $150.00 delivered.Total $550.00 This phono stage will destroy anything under 2 grand!! |
Have you compared it to the Phonomena with battery power supply, David? |
No Carl,I only compared my Rogue phono stage to the Class B cube.Maybe its because the Rogues a tube phono stage with some of the worlds best tubes,maybe its the synergy of the preamp and phono maybe its one less interconnect.Most likly its all 3 reasons the Rogue buries the Cube.As I said if the Cube is class B then the Rogue is a high class A.I am a firm believe in tubes offering superior performance over solid state and from all I have gathered the short time I have participated here I see the vast majority would agree tubes rule,solid states cruel!(to the ears) |
Carl,do you have a Phonomena with battery? I've seen them advertised is all.Stereophile get their hands on one yet?? Have you compared one to the Lehmann? I am not exagerating.My Rogue is in a far better league than the cube.Have you auditioned a tube phono? I still dont understand why you arent a tube guy!! |
I'm in the market for a phono section. Is the Rogue versitile enough to handle a variety of cartridges. Where is the Rogue available and also the tubes for the upgrade. Thanks Richard |
A2Z, The Rogue 99 is a line stage preamp with a heavy metal remote.The line stage uses 4 tubes which are 6SN7.you can get stock tubes which probably would be Chinese or Rogue will install new old stock tubes for a bit more money.The phono stage I am talking about is an option for the 99 and is referred to as a on-board phono stage.The factory installs it inside the preamp.The Rogue on-board phono stage has 4 tubes.2 are 12AX7 which were Sovtek LPS.I found these tubes too noisey so I replaced them with Telefunkins.These are considered by many to be one of the best tubes you can get.You can get them for $35 each at upscaleaudio.com Ask for ANOS (almost new old stock) or you can get new old stock for $70-$120 each.The other 2 tubes were Jan Philips 12AU7.I replaced them with a NOS tube called RADIOTECHNIQUES.I bought these because the owner of Upscale audio suggested them.If you are in the market for a new preamp the 99 with phono will make yuo very happy.Rogue is a new company.The Rogue 66 is a fine preamp also but not on the level of the 99.Go to rogue.com or rogueaudio.com for prices,options etc.Lots of dealers sell Rogue.The website can direct you.Or call my dealer,Mario @ 914-421-0069 or E-Mail tfta.com or visit his web site.TOYS FROM THE ATTIC Hope this helps. |
David, I have it on good authority (everyone that's heard and compared the thing, including the designer Mike Yee) that the Phonomena (WITHOUT the battery power supply) is 98% of the performance of an Audio Research PH-3 phono stage, which is a HIGH "Class A" rated component. I don't have the battery power supply yet, but expect to in the not too distant future...............I've not compared it directly to the Cube, but Bob at Elusive Disc, and everyone at Musical Surroundings, feels that it is far superior to the original Cube (none have compared it officially with any new or battery versions of the Cube, to my knowledge). I actually auditioned the Phonomena that was used at Hi-Fi '99, and the unit I have is a tad superior to it, with matched FET output devices............David, I'M NOT ONE WHO BLINDLY ACCEPTS TUBES SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY'RE TUBES. I certainly have never heard a tube power amp outperform my Krell in any way, and also have never heard a CD player coupled with a megadollar tube linestage that comes close to my Resolution Audio CD50, which is also a solid state device. SS is as good as real life, when it's done right, and they can be left on all the time. If you leave tubes on all the time, all you do is hasten the demise of the already short "prime" operating life of a tube. I look at it this way, for what you spend on tube replacements, I'm getting more software that you're missing out on......And I don't have a bias against tubes. When I hear a tube preamp that's better in every way than what I've got, I'll buy it. I should be able to afford it by then........I mentioned before that my headphone amp has 6922 tubes for the output, and I enjoy it very much...and because it is NOT euphonic, it's just accurate. |
HI CARL,IVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR REPLY.I HAVE LEFT MY TUBE GEAR ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS STRAIGHT.I FEEL AN HOUR OR SO WARM UP TIME BRINGS IT ABOUT AT THE SAME PERFORMANCE LEVEL.ALBERT FEELS CERTAIN DESIGN TUBE GEAR CAN BE LEFT ON ALL THE TIME AND ACTUALLY LENGHTENS TUBE TIME.MY TELEFUNKINS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD FOR 10-100,OOO HOURS.ALL MY OTHER TUBES UP TO 7500 HOURS.THATS MANY YEARS OF LISTENING.I FEEL THE EXTRA EXPENSE OF TUBES IS WORTH IT.INSTEAD OF GETTING TIRED OF A SOLID STATE SOUND AFTER A WHILE AND SELLING IT I COULD JUST UPGRADE MY TUBES FOR A COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS FOR AN IMMEDIATE,CHEAP,UPGRADE.TUBES ARE BEST,NO DOUBT.SOLID STATE IS MUCH MORE CONVIENIENT THATS FOR SURE.BUT THE REALISM AND SOUNDSTAGING OF TUBES CANT BE BEAT.I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS A KRELL KSA-250.IF I WANT A FREE HAIR CUT AND SHAVE I JUST GO SIT IN FRONT OF THAT FOR A WHILE. |
David, your experience is yours, and my experience is mine, and the two are different. I'm ok with that. You are obviously biased against solid state, and I believe I am not biased against tubed devices. I just go by what I hear, and it's obvious neither of us will be changing our minds. I hope you're ok with that. |
Carl,I am so glad you didnt trash me.I tried to add another posting after my last one but couldnt get in.Then I had to go out for the day.This is what makes our beloved hobby so fun.Sharing ideas and opinions.Yes I am biased and its obvious.My friends think Im nuts for being into tubes and analog! They are biased concerning S.S. and digital.BUT they feel my sound is more involving and has better sound staging then their setup.Regardless they wont convert.Go figure! But we all have a common bond and can disagree but still be cool about it.I need to calm myself a bit.Im staring to act like the "old Carl" Tell me what chill pill you took,I need one.Have a GREAT HOLIDAY Carl and everyone else. |
David, you have a good holiday too! And I didn't take any chill pill, it's just that you guys finally decided to stop being babies and complaining about me to Neil every two seconds...........BTW, I feel that if you heard my system, you'd change your mind about solid state. And, I'm glad that I'm open minded enough to appreciate both CD and vinyl, and feel that those that close themselves off to either one are being silly. Michael Fremer agrees with me. |
Carl.I never complained about you.I stuck up for you.And Im not closed minded about digital.I just know digital SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!! How many times Carl have you been listening to vinyl and have said to your self "there is no way in hell digital can sound like this" Many times,right?? PLUS I LOVE collecting albums.I could write for hours of all the classic rock I pick up for almost nothing.I like the hands on analog demands also.I feel more involved and interested.Any body can run out and buy a C.D. player but it takes talent to set up a great analog front end.I KNOW we agree on this..... BYE |
Carl.I never complained about you.I stuck up for you.And Im not closed minded about digital.I just know digital SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!! How many times Carl have you been listening to vinyl and have said to your self "there is no way in hell digital can sound like this" Many times,right?? PLUS I LOVE collecting albums.I could write for hours of all the classic rock I pick up for almost nothing.I like the hands on analog demands also.I feel more involved and interested.Any body can run out and buy a C.D. player but it takes talent to set up a great analog front end.I KNOW we agree on this..... BYE |
Carl.I never complained about you.I stuck up for you.And Im not closed minded about digital.I just know digital SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!! How many times Carl have you been listening to vinyl and have said to your self "there is no way in hell digital can sound like this" Many times,right?? PLUS I LOVE collecting albums.I could write for hours of all the classic rock I pick up for almost nothing.I like the hands on analog demands also.I feel more involved and interested.Any body can run out and buy a C.D. player but it takes talent to set up a great analog front end.I KNOW we agree on this..... BYE |
Thank you for your support, David. It goes without saying how much I like the sound of analog (vinyl), and the "hands on involvement", as you say. The point I was making was, when you get a CD player as good as mine, you don't listen to vinyl and think how much better it is than CD (I DID feel that strongly before I got the CD50, and that helped get me back into vinyl in the first place). You think, "Gee, I'm glad I have both, because at least CD can make me happy, provided I listen thru a world class player." The difference being that you don't need one of the five best analog front ends to enjoy the hell out of vinyl, and that's a good thing, because they cost much more than my CD50, or my turntable rig.......And why why why do you post post post 3 times??? Heh heh, I realize the connection with AG's server can get screwed up... |
