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Is it time for a phono stage?

I've been back into vinyl for a year now after almost a 40 year break and love it. Started with about 180 and now have around 800. The problem I find is it is hard to listen to equipment before buying. My system is a Mac MA6600 integrated,VPIPrime with Ortofon 2M black and a set of Revel F-30. Most of the equipment I've purchased has been based on reviews and reputation. I'm looking to spend in the 2-4k range and am leaning towards tubes. Current choices are The Chinook and the Herron ftph-2. I also was thinking about the Asthetix Rhea but was told it might not be a good match due to the Mac's input impedance being low. Honestly a lot of the technical stuff can be overwhelming but I know it's important. Looking for advice. Thanks.
rkbcpa55
miner42
709 posts
 
Tough decision. I have a McIntosh C2300 preamp and was looking for an outboard phono stage but I could not find anything under $3500 that could better the Mc's adjustable on-the-fly (with remote) phono stage. My turntable is a VPI Aries 3 with 3D arm and Ortofon Cadenza Black MC cartridge.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 
We make a full function preamp, the UV-1, that falls in this price range...
rkbcpa55 OP
11 posts
 
Miner42. have you tried any separate phono pre yet. My amp also has a built in MM phono which some have told me is pretty good. However without comparing it to a separate phono pre there is no way or me to know.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I will make this easy for you. GO WITH THE MANLEY CHINOOK! You will not be disappointed.
djfst
169 posts
 
The Herron always looked like the best value and best tube phono stage, but I've looked more into the new Zesto Andros 1.2, as the reviews are raving about with its new updates and versatility with cartridges. Does anyone have any experience owning or hearing the Zesto Andros with the new updates of the 1.2? Seems like all the forums of it are of the older model.
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