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
lewm
13,220 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.

sls883
474 posts
 

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. 

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
431 posts
 

Final? and Upgrade? I don't think those two words belong in the same sentence!winkGood luck though.

skiznfliz
38 posts
 

 Anyone have thoughts on a Tubes For HiFi PH-16 or PH-16X Phono Pre ? I’m considering with the Mundorf Upgrades. 

theflattire
209 posts
 

@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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