2. analog
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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
jrcotner OP
71 posts
 

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.

sls883
468 posts
 

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. 

glenmschneider
29 posts
 

I have a soundsmith phono stage that I am very happy with in your price range.

jrcotner OP
71 posts
 

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.    .

lewm
13,212 posts
 

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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