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Entry level Phono Stage for Dynavector 10x5

Just received some gifts for the Holidays. Among them was a Dynavector 10x5. Well its blown me away. It has really just given me what I have been looking for since I stared this hobby.

Well I am thinking about grabbing a stand alone phono stage. I am using the internal one in my preamp. I am wondering if the Dynavector or the Jolinda phono stage would be a big upgrade.

I am also wondering which to go with. Obviously it makes sense to go with the Dynavector because of how much I already like the cart they produce. That being said some say the MM is really just ok. Its the MC that shines and of course I would use the MM because the 10x5 is a HOMC.

Question is what would be a better choice? Should I just keep what I have? Any thoughts from people who have used these combinations. Or am I better off just keeping what I have and do and upgrade in the future?

I am buying used and don't see upgrading the cart anytime in the near future.
darkstar1

Showing 7 responses by ctsooner

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The better you phono, the better your sound. I've seen such a HUGE difference going with a Heed Phono pre...I listened to many of the lesser cost ones as well as the higher ones and the Heed blew it out of the water. I may even be selling it to upgrade to the balance Ayre as I have Ayre gear and I now realize how MUCH difference a GREAT phono stage will make. I know that Audio Connection sells these Heeds. they aren't well known, but it's better than Clearaudio's lower priced units to my ears and many others I know. I will say that someone came over to listen and he said he was much better and musical than his and his was a well known unit that cost him well over 1800 used. Call John at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and ask him as he is a big vinyl guy and knows what goes well with things. I think he sells your cartridge and would be able to help you out.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
First question I have is what is your top limit to go on a phono stage? We all throw out what WE have or want to have....that's how any board works. Do you have stores near you where you can build a relationship and bring one home? Most stores have a few options and they know what goes well with the rest of your gear. Honestly, I"ve heard most of the names thrown out in this thread multiple times and some of the bigger 'names' I haven't liked. I don't think they went with the electronics they were hooked up to as I never heard their 'sound staging, imaging etc..'....they were dull, dry, one dimensional and just not musical...Some had black backgrounds and enough gain, but that was it. Only gain should be added. Where do you live?
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
A dealer won't work with you? wow..that's sad...what state are you in?
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I agree. a dealer like that deserves to be woken up.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Guys, if you are looking in these ranges, you really NEED to listen to the HEED phono stages. They are KILLER. I have one and it's used with an Ayre and Basis/Benz system. I have put it up against some major name amps that are well above what is being talked about in this thread and it was 95% of what was there (these are all 3k plus phonos). You can't get them everywhere, but I got one from Nick at Audio Connection at Verona, NJ. There are some other stores who have them too, but the Quasar is KILLER folks. I was in shock as I auditioned last week as I thought I was going to get a new 3k plus phono. I'm still in shock. The other phono's are a bit better, but not for three times the cost if not more. JMHO, but do yourself a favor and go listen.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Look forward to what you hear. I heard the plus recently and was in shock. I heard it vs their normal JC3 and they were worlds apart. Let it burn in big time as it needs it to open up the caps.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Yea the Curl is a nice design. Very clean. Honestly though I have put my Heed up against most of the 3k and under and although the more expensive ones have a bigger stage and more bass (usually), it's not by much and the price difference is so great, I'd use that to upgrade the cartridge and the system would then rock. It all depends on where you want your money, thats all. Glad you like your amps guys.
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