Just to update a bit. A long while back, I did build Pete Millett phono pre that is designed with an LR RIAA equalizing stage. Basically, as far as sound is concerned, I have high regards for it. There is a hum problem that I caused along the way, and troubleshooting is not fun at all. I just want to play records. FWIW, when I replaced the IC chips with upgrades, the hum increased.
To repeat myself, I should have laid down more serious cash in the first place rather than cause myself incredible hassle building 2 kits, and buying 2 phono pres. Lessoned learned? Nah, I will do it again in some fashion not too far from now.
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I went with the Allnic H-3000. I upgraded from the Rhea. The Rhea is a bit noisy (tube rush) compared to the Allnic. The Allnic is dead silent - never heard tubes be so quiet.
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Here’s the best price you may find for a new PH10 and PSU-10
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Hi everyone, thanks for all your replies and contributions, looking at the the various options the Goldnote PH10 seems to be a good choice with flexibility.
Thanks
Sean
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@builder3 Yes a bit of that goes on for sure 😁
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@edgewear Dutch fan 😁 that team was legendary imo , Gullet , Van Basten and the boys 👌, thanks for reply btw. I think the Goldnote PH10 is a solid contender and offers flexibility.
Thanks
Sean
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For the dosh you have you can afford a phono stage with an LCR Network. Vida and Allnic will do nicely.
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I like my ARC Ref phono 2 SE. May find one used in your price range.
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1) I need phono amp reccomendations
2) sorry, you need to justify your system with us
3) we'll have a pissing match while we wait for you to comply
4) welcome to Audiogon !
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Dear @lance23, starting with vinyl on a serious level at this point in time is a daunting prospect and quite an undertaking. Separating the good, the bad and the ugly requires considerable research in advance to prevent big disappointments and expensive mistakes, both concerning the hardware AND the records themselves.
It would be useful to know in what system you plan to add your vinyl playback source. Starting with the phono amp is not a bad idea in itself, but if you haven’t decided on what type of cartridge you expect to be using, you need to build in considerable flexibility to be able to accommodate any choices you’ll make in the future.
Asking such a ‘what is best’ question usually delivers a long list of responses from members who will generally recommend what they own themselves. This information is biased by nature and doesn’t help very much in making your own personal choice. But I understand you have to start somewhere. It also makes quite a bit of difference whether you decide to buy new or would consider used or even vintage. That last category can deliver huge value for money if you know what to look for. You really don’t need to pay a fortune to enjoy listening to records, although I won’t deny it can very easily get expensive. Whatever route you take, just don’t let anyone try to convince you that real high end record playback was ‘discovered’ during the 21st century ‘vinyl renaissance’…..
BTW: are you Dutch or just a fan of the Dutch soccer team? 😁
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I highly recommend the Channel D Lino C phono. I bought it and like it very much.
See this review:
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@lance23 correct hook-up per your note. Yes have tried with and without SUT and the PH-10 is excellent without just adding it brings a bit more to the sound. Yes expensive because you also require another rca cable out of the SUT to phono pre. For most people probably not worth it but once heard it's hard to go back.
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Cost aside, matching has become more important to me than I thought possible. To begin with, I have made other poor choices, such as going from a perfectly good Project Xpression II to a Schiit SOL TT. I am sure that the SOL has more potential than I am getting from it but will require set tools that I normally wouldn't consider. The Project TT was friendly with more phono stages that the SOL in my experience, but that didn't stop me from trading.
So in reference to this topic, I want to add that al analog decisions have been important. If you happen onto a phono stage that works for your setup and taste, stop there. It is my opinion now that I should have started with a phono stage that was more adaptable.
I want to add one last piece of observation. Two of the phono stages that I have tried were very good quality kits. In one case, I actually loved the sound, but can't seem to get rid of a bit of hum. In the other case, the phono stage is incredible sounding, but not in the bass. I suspect that this is some kind of mis-match? Really don't know, and am tired of the chase after a more than a year of effort.
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@4krowme
I definitely get it. When I got my first good table I tried a top rated $200 Phonostage. It sounded terrible. So at each iteration I doubled the cost. It wasn’t until $2,500+ I started getting much of the sound quality my system was capable of. Finally at $8,000 my phono stage was no longer “in the way”.
Then I upgraded my turntable a few years ago and I had to double again to get the most out of my turntable.
Being so close to the source it is really important. But it is always a matching game to get the most out of your system.
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@rsf507 I have heard others say the same. I think the SUT have a very low noise floor . Did you A/B with and without the PH10. I presume the chain is TT MC - SUT - PH10 - Amp
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@lance23 I've been using SUT's for years I find they give me better dynamics although the PH-10 doesn't require I use one just that IMO I prefer the sound.
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The return to vinyl has been uphill for me. The hardest part was me wasting money on one average phono preamp after another! If I had my priorities straight, I would have saved time and money. Going for quality that I didn't think that I could afford was proven wrong by spending for 4 preamps and counting!
I leave with this thought>> try before you buy is the best advice that I could give.
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@rsf507 Why do you use an SUT with the PH10, thanks
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@lance23 @rsf507 agree, but would also add VERY quiet. Stylish too if you care at all about aesthetics.
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@lance23 the Gold Note is wonderful sounds very neutral and full bodied and so very flexible. Can mate with just about any cartridge MC or MM. I actually use a MC but with a step-up and works amazing. I just saw one on US Audiomart for around $2300 which included the PS option, great price, if it's still available.
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@rsf507 How did you find the Goldnote
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@macg19 How did you like the Goldnote
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I'm still using an NVO (New Valve Order) all tube design. Along with a Gold Note PH-10. The NVO was all the rage 5-6 years back and it's rare the come up used but when they do they are snatched up quickly. Any other users try one of these units?
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This is where I ended up after auditioning several units in my price range based on the recommendations of a of a trustworthy shop owner here in SoCal.
I wish I started here...
- Goldnote PH-10 and PSU-10 (way under your budget)
- Clearaudio Performance DC with Tracer tonearm
- Hana ML
Good enough of a base to upgrade the cart when the Hana wears out and plenty of gain to deal with a lower output MC. (The Hana is 0.4mv and the gain is set to -3 db, the lowest MC setting which = 62 db of gain)
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My past boss used to say, "Put or shut up". I always put up.
Come on wolfie62, time to put up. And if all that you say is true, then good for you to have such a top-flight system. I would enjoy seeing it posted. It's always nice to learn from others just what they came up with for matching and synergy.
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Pictures or it didn’t happen……
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@ozzy62
That was before I finished my project. Really before my settlement was finalized.
I still have that equipment, in my old listening room. My, what a difference a settlement makes….. But I stand by what I said. Unless you have a quarter Mil laying around. Then diminishing returns are a perk!
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Well @wolfie62 , you seem to be Mr. Deep Pockets. But you also had this to say:
To get really good, satisfying, enjoyable vinyl playback needn’t be expensive.
I have 18 turntables, all legacy designs. I have 130 vintage cartridges. I have 5,000 LPs.
Anyone who says you must spend $2K+ on a table, $2K+ on a cartridge, $2K+ on a phono pre, $2K+ on a record cleaner, is high as a kite!
A vintage table of $400, a vintage cart of $200, hand cleaning your records, and using the built-in phono pre of a competent $300 vintage receiver is all you need to reap full enjoyment from a collection of vinyl.
Don’t overthink or over spend this. It just isn’t necessary.
Something seems rotten in the state of Denmark......
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You should consider purchasing an Audio File or Stereo Review magazine for their issues on best equipment of the year. Listen to some who experienced reviewer vrs someone pushing what they have
Welcome to 1995....
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Posted just wo days ago, by wolfie62 (see below), in another thread. It seems that his reference system is an integrated amp from 1980. Nothing wrong with that, I'm all for people enjoying to their fullest possible extent. I just don't like to see people say they have a $200K system, telling others they are wasting their money if not spending great sums on their system, and in reality, have nothing greater of their own than a vintage integrated amp. And the kicker, that this 1980 integrated amp is "world class", including its phono pre. I usually don't post a response like this, but when a "loud-mouth" speaks up it's only fair to everyone else by exposing who they really are.
I’ll keep using my 1980 SAE Two A14 Integrated. Designed in CA, manufactured by Luxman. Dual mono construction. A real sleeper! Parametric tone controls, world class amp and MM/MC phono pre.
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Listen to some who experienced reviewer vrs someone pushing what they have😵💫
@jew16384
It's not all that bad hearing someone's review of the equipment they own. Sure it can be bias but also there are alot of good reasons why they own it.
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@jew16384
Good idea, although I would recommend The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, and HiFi+.
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You should consider purchasing an Audio File or Stereo Review magazine for their issues on best equipment of the year. Listen to some who experienced reviewer vrs someone pushing what they have😵💫
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Which do you prefer tubes or SS ? their are so many
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@wolfie62
You will have credibility with no one without knowing where you are coming from… you are the one hung up on cost. Fantastic systems can be fashioned out of modest components. One can make a judgement based on the thought that has gone into your system… the synergy. But refusing to show what you have only discredits you as a honest contributor.
Lets see your credentials. This inexpensive knowledgeably put together system or top of the line assault at the best possible.
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Or give your statement credibility because you own something better than Schiit and have a system to justify your opinion.
@ghdprentice
So credibility is measured in $$$$$$$$ now, right?
I spent over $200K on my system. Another $50K on my listening room addition. Finished it up late last year. I designed the edition to my house, but I didn’t build it. I’ll be trading out my Wilson Audio speakers next month; they don’t suit me. I auditioned and ordered a pair of FR30s, in custom Evening Sahara Sand finish, to match my listening room.
I really couldn’t care less if I have “credibility with you.
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@wolfie62
Or give your statement credibility because you own something better than Schiit and have a system to justify your opinion.
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You should post photos of your system under your ID. It is very helpful in understanding where your opinion is coming from.
@ghdprentice
That would do no good, other than fuel derogatory comments. Let’s just say a court settlement went my way.
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A used Moon 610LP would be in your price range, great phono pre.
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Consider the Black Swan from AAW
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I think you’re getting some great rec’s here. Another +1 for the Modwright 9.0x. I love mine and expect to stick with it for a long time. Admittedly have not had the chance to A/B it with many of those mentioned here - I suspect many are great.
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If you can find a Herron Audio VTPH-2A used (no longer available new), you should buy it. IMO, it's the best. Otherwise you can settle for a lesser performing phono stage.
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+7 Zesto for tube.
For solid state, the Coda 06x is my favorite under around $10k - $15k.
Finally, if you can find one, the Herron (hybrid( is excellent as is the Reference line stage.
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Pleased to see the recommendations for the Zesto Andros.
Before I went with my Atma-Sphere MP-1 full function preamp, I almost bought a Zesto. Ever since I heard one at RMAF, I was sure that it was about the best phono stage ever. Beautiful, luscious tube sound. But also it would be good to find a used AR.
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