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.
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
Showing 3 responses by sls883
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. |
@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. |