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I need help regarding tube phono preamplifiers

To the Audiogon community. I am currently considering one of three possible all tube phono preamps to incorporate in my two channel system. The three phono stages are 1.Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp 2.Zesto Andros Deluxe II phono stage and 3. Vac Renaissance phono preamp. I will incorporate the stand alone phono preamp into my McIntosh C48 preamp and utilize a Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a Clearaudio Universal tonearm and Kiseki Purple Heart phono cartridge. If anyone has experience to help me compare the differences between these phono stages I would greatly appreciate the input. Thanks.

andyhifiman

Showing 1 response by sandthemall

sandthemall
544 posts
 

I have struggled with noisy phono preamps when it comes to MC carts.

I recently purchased a Hagerman Trumpet MC. It is outstanding for a little bit over $1000 ($1090 I think).

Can’t afford or find a Heron VTPH-2A? The Hagerman, I’m hearing, can more than hang with this great phono preamp.

Main drawback is that it isn’t so flexible with MM but if you’re committed to MC carts, give this a try. Very quiet, organic and beautiful sounding no negative feedback design.

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