Feickert Volare + Shick 9 + Hana Umami Red

I’ve decided to swap the Shick tonearm for the Kuzma Stogi 9 in. gimbaled tonearm. I figure why not. If I ever upgrade the Volare, I’ll keep the Hana Red cart and Kuzma tonearm and use them for the new table. Next on the list is upgrading the phonostage. My Sutherland is fantastic but this rig probably needs a phonostage in the $3k range.

I know cost doesn't equal sound. That's why I'm sticking with my Sutherland for now. I plan to audition a Manley Chinook and go from there. But that's about six months away. 

And have you ever used the Sutherland KC Vibe phonostage? I have no doubt that upgrading the Sutherland to something like a Manley would yield further appreciable results. But I think you're undervaluing the strength of the Sutherland. I've had this conversation with several sales associates who could easily sell me on one of their pricier phonostages. But all have said stick with the Sutherland for now and upgrade later. I was happy to buy one now, and could have easily been sold several "nicer" (i.e. more expensive) phonostages, up to $4k. But my trusted sales advisors at different shops all recommended I stay put for now. And I agree because I want to hear the Volare/Kuzma/Red rig with my trusted Sutherland for a while, then enjoy the upgraded sound with a new phonostage later. I like this tiered approach because it allows me two separate upgrades instead of going all in at once. What phonostage do you use and why? 

The Kuzma Stogi can be viewed here:

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/kuzma-stogi-9-gimbaled-tonearm?_pos=1&_psq=kuzma+gimbaled+tonearm&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Thanks! I'm looking at the Zesto Andros 1.2. The deluxe is a little pricey for me right now given that I just dropped about $10k on the new analog rig. The Zestos are all beautiful and highly regarded, so Zesto is a top contender. And the Andros 1.2 is currently on sale, down from $4.7k to $3.2k. It's almost like I must buy it at that price.

I'm also looking at a Primaluna tube phonostage. (https://upscaleaudio.com/products/primaluna-evo-100-tube-phonostage?_pos=1&_sid=fa016fdbf&_ss=r). I've had great luck with Primaluna.

Otherwise, I'm open to all suggestions! 

But here's the foundational question I keep asking myself: Should I go with a tube or solid-state phonostage? I have an all-tube integrated amp (Primaluna Evo 300) and solid-state integrated amp (T+A PA 2500 R). The T+A is clearly the better overall amp, but I couldn't bring myself to part with the Primaluna. It makes certain records, especially vocal-centric and acoustic music, sound better than any integrated I've heard. I wonder about the difference between running a tube v. solid-state phonostage to each the T+A and Primaluna integrateds. Seeing that my primary amp is the solid-state T+A, I think a tube phonostage would round out the setup nicely. 

Definitely upgrading the IsoAcoustics ZaZen platform that I currently use. Looking at the Delos. But I'm wide open to suggestions on the best iso platform. Comments welcome.

As for upgrading the phonostage, I'm looking into a Manley, but not rushing it. The Sutherland sounds amazing for a $900 phonostage. Punches way above its price. But I agree it's not an endgame phonostage and is the weakest link in the chain at this point.