2. analog
  3. 192832-183416

Final Analog Upgrades

I've been on a three year upgrade path of my stereo equipment, and am nearly at the finish line.  I have a SOTA Sapphire with the upgraded electronics, an Origin Live Silver tonearm, Hana EL cartridge,Jolida JD-9 phono stage, Modwright KWH225i and Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII speakers.  I'm going to replace the Hana EL with a Hana SL cartridge, and I'm looking for a replacement for my venerable Jolida.  Which phono stages are out there that will bring out the best of my equipment?  I'd like to keep the phono stage under $1500.  I've research previous threads on this subject and many of the recommended phono stages have been discontinued or new models introduced.  I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.

 

Thanks,

John Cotner

New Ulm, MN

jrcotner

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,540 posts
 

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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