Looking for a phono stage with pleasing coloration


I have recently completely overhauled my analog front end. I have gone from a Marantz TTS TT-15S1 with a Clearaudio Charisma to a Rega Planar 8 with a Soundsmith Paua II cartridge. There have been definite improvements; improvements in dynamics, resolution, and spatial separation.  Phono stage is currently a Tavish Adagio running into a Prima Luna Evo 300 preamp and Parasound JC 5 amp; speakers are Monitor Audio PL 100 II. I’m overall pleased with the system but I find it a little too modern sounding; instrument separation, and mid and low bass are a tad too tight and disciplined. While the Paua generally outclasses the Charisma; I preferred the tonality of the Charisma. Maybe it’s because the Charisma has a wooden body but it has more of a warmth and vintage coloration to its tonality that I like.


I would like to make change to Phono stage to address these issues, so looking for recommendations on a phono stage that has a bit more of a vintage coloration, body, warmth, slightly looser bass and low noise floor and retains good top end extension. I currently have the PS Audio Stellar phono on order for a home trial but every review I have read has praised it for its neutrality but what I really want is added coloration that I find pleasing.  I guess I can try tube rolling the Adagio but I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of trying to find low microphonic NOS tubes. Finally I want to stay under $3K and I’m open to vintage phono preamps (but I don’t want to sacrifice dynamics and sound stage).


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Showing 1 response by tablejockey

Looks like that Tavish Adagio isn’t delivering enough tube magic? The rest of your system appears solid.

This was flavor of the month years ago, here on Agon
https://positive-feedback.com/Issue57/nvo.htm

The other model "only" has 13 tubes instead of 22.
There are a couple of listings on the "other" site. All these years, and I haven’t found a bad review from a user. If I were looking, I'd have one of these on my radar.

A little generic/DIY looking(build looks cheap) but the sound coming out of it makes up for it? After all the years it been out, I’m surprised it hasn’t been reviewed by Fremer.