I would look into used:
Conrad Johnson
Audio Research
VAC
Zesto
I have upgraded my phono stages since the late 1970’s. Each time I found the phonostage holding back the sound of my tt / cartridge (Yes, this is dependent on exactly what tt / cartridge you have). It was not until I reached the Audio Research SP8 that I felt this was no longer the case.
So, my recommendation is to find a very high quality tube phono stage, and of the highest level you can afford with the brands above. Stretch you budget if you can. Your Soto is a very capable turntable and cartridges are easily upgraded. So, a really good phono stage is worth the investment.
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You wouldn’t include Allnic, Atmasphere, Manley, Modwright, Luxman, Quicksilver, etc?
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In the chain of products it stands to reason the phono stage should be maximized, the system being dependent on the signal being fed. Personally have an Allnic H7000; As to comparison with others noted above I could not say. What I have noticed is used H7000s usually last about 2-3 days on HIFi Shark. Not cheap but personally feel, in my system it provides a balanced, non fatiguing, honest presentation.
Given your budget the Allnic 1202 may hit the sweet spot.
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Thanks for the info. I talked to Kristen at Modwright about their phono stage but it's too far over my budget. I'll take a look at your other suggestions and see what I can find.
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I'm using a Hana ML cartridge with a Sutherland TZ Vibe phono stage. It's in your price range. Sound is excellent. I haven't heard the SL. I think it would be worth the money to go to the ML if you can swing it. That's just based on reviews.
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I have a soundsmith phono stage that I am very happy with in your price range.
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I bought the Hana SL last night. Elusive Disc is having a sale and takes trades, so I pulled the trigger. They recommended the Sutherland KC Vibe phono stage. My gripe with it is the gain and load switches are buried inside the case. I'd rather have them accessible. I've read a number of reviews on both the SL and ML. More than a few stated that while the ML was better, it wasn't good enough to justify the extra cost. .
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In selecting a phono stage, be aware that the SL has an internal resistance of 30 ohms and is therefore not well suited to any current driven (“trans impedance”) phono.
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I've read good things about the SL as well. I'm sure you'll like it.
I had people recommend a Darlington Labs phono stage. Seems like a lot of bang for the buck. I had a KC Vibe, but I was using it with a Goldring MM cartridge. I haven't heard it with a Hana cartridge.
@lewm I'm going to stop mentioning the TZ Vibe except with the Hana ML. Thanks for pointing that out.
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Final? and Upgrade? I don't think those two words belong in the same sentence! Good luck though.
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Anyone have thoughts on a Tubes For HiFi PH-16 or PH-16X Phono Pre ? I’m considering with the Mundorf Upgrades.
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@jrcotner
Darlington Labs or I would keep an eyeball out for a used Tavish Adagio.
When you talked to Modwright, did she mention Dan was working on a hybrid? I saw it mentioned on their IG a while back.
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If you're good with a phono stage on the warm side of sound, look no futher than the Hagerman Trumpet MC. Alternatively, you could opt for the Trumpet MM version and add either Piccolo MC or Piccolo Zero for the MC head-amp duties. That would allow for future flexibilities (e.g. experimenting with step-up transformers).
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tubes 4 hifi, PH-16 - can be custom set up for your TT and cartridge. Best Value kit you can build yourself or have them assemble for under $1500. Get the upgraded Mundorf Oil caps. This is my plan once I finish building my new sound room, this and a Scout II or Prime.
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The KHW 225 has tubes on the pre-amp side. Is there another hybrid in the pipeline?
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I went from a JD9 to an E.A.T E-Glo Petit and it was a big improvement, even though I had modified the JD9 with better output caps and opamps. All controls right on top of the unit. They can generally be found under $1,500 used.
I went from the E-Glo to a Modwright PH 9.0XT. it stretched my budget too, but worth every penny. Definitely my final phono preamp.
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@lewm So, I emailed Ron Sutherland. He said that the suggested internal impedance of a cartridge used with the TZ Vibe is less than 20 ohms. The old SL has an internal impedance of 30 ohms as you mentioned. Ron said it might be fine.
The new SL MkII has an internal impedance of 8 ohms and would work well with the TZ Vibe.
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You might be able to find a PS Audio Stellar used in your price range. If so it would be my first recommendation.
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+1 used PS Audio Stellar Phono
Maybe Austin AudioWorks Black Swan
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