Dynavector p75; trichord Dino; Graham slee jazz. A better phono stage massively lifts ur system. Whilst ur current stage keeps you happy stick with it. Save up to 1000usd and u get a much better choice both new and second hand.
Need help finding a new phono stage.
I just purchased the Marantz tt-15s1.
It has a dynavector 10x5 installed on it.
I have a Cambridge audio cp1, and it sounds great. Which I'm not fully understanding because I thought that stage was for mm only? Can someone help explain this?
My amp is set 3/4 the way up for the volume level I like.. but even at full tilt it doesnt sound distorted or anything!
I guess my main question, and my next step is what is a good phono stage to upgrade to??
For now though I am happy.
Thanks in advance.
It has a dynavector 10x5 installed on it.
I have a Cambridge audio cp1, and it sounds great. Which I'm not fully understanding because I thought that stage was for mm only? Can someone help explain this?
My amp is set 3/4 the way up for the volume level I like.. but even at full tilt it doesnt sound distorted or anything!
I guess my main question, and my next step is what is a good phono stage to upgrade to??
For now though I am happy.
Thanks in advance.
29 responses Add your response
I use a Clearaudio Nano V2 with my Rega P3 and Dynavector 10x5. 46dB of gain and it sounds great. $450.00 https://clearaudio.de/en/products/electronics-nano_phono_v2.php |
I had Jasmine LP2.O for a year. Read the reviews, but easily below $600 if you can find it. I really enjoyed the flexibility and musicality of thos.phono pre-amp. Phillip Holmes tweaks the $639 Jasmine LP2.0 SE phono preamp - Dagogo
https://www.dagogo.com/phillip-holmes-tweaks-the-639-jasmine-lp2-0-se-phono-preamp/ PS I had this until I found something significantly more musical - the Manley Labs Chinook phono pre amp. |
In your budget the Ifi Iphono2 is very flexible and sound quality punches way above its price point. I used one for a short time before i got the Gold Note PH10. its surprisingly good google it. Mike Fremer analoge plannet gave it a very good review. does MM, MC and has multiple settings for almost any cart. even has different curves for older records. |
I feel your content with your set up, and the costs attached with achieving the level of performance your receiving. If you do get the itch to change Phonostage, have a look at the Mr Nixie DIGNA. I am a owner, and this is one that thoroughly satisfies my requirement. It has multiple user settings as well, the options to make changes, when using a MC have a great effect on how a cartridge interfaces with a system and the SQ. |
three easy payments probably has the best advice. A high output MC and MM carts can be used with a phono stage with just a MM capable phono stage. If you want to go with a strictly standard (low output) MC cart be prepared to look at $$$ for one of those of quality. Turntable setups are one of the most challenging in the world of audio. Equipment and room have so much to do with sound quality that's it's impossible to follow suggestions from anyone. But, that's what these forums are for. To point out blaring "stay away froms" and intricate points based on personal opinions. If you have determined to use a particular cartridge, do some research on that. Don't rule out the used market either for a phono stage. I was able to obtain one. It is a Graham Slee at a reasonable price ($700). If you Google that you'll find gobs of info. Important about the Slee units is to use his dedicated power supply (PSUI). I'm sure others have suggestions based on there own experience. Good luck to you. |
Really appreciate all the feedback. Thank you. First real system and starting to truly shape up. Every component has been purchased used but well taken care of and I've saved a ton from what I'm told. Got the azure 740 a for $350 The cp1 for $100 The Tt-15s1 and dynavector 10x5 for $1400 Starter table was a new Rega Planar 1 with Nagaoka mp-110 I believe it's called. All Canadian currency. |
As long as it is driving the speakers to your satisfaction, there is no issue with turning it up so high. Remember, in most cases, a volume control reduces the volume by offering progressive resistance to the signal such that full volume is the actual gain of the amplification stage. So the less resistance used by the volume potentiometer, the better the sound. |
Absolutely it will. A lot of even budget phono stages have gain options, have to if capable of mm and lomc operation really. Course if you had a mm cart with 4 to 5mv output it would likely be fine. An oldie but a goodie especially suited to your cart would be a Dynaudio P3. Lots of option internally configured with easy to use jumpers. The new mk4 is about 1k, but you can find the mk3 for $500 or less lightly used. Highly recommended with your cart imho. |
The goal of the Gold Note PH-10 is two independent phono stage in one box, each input can be set up for MM or MC with many load options and gain options. The most user friendly phono stage and fully adjustable. The different curves is a bonus, personally i use RIAA, the benefit of the Gold Note is not curves, but a optional loading (imo). I am a big fan of JLTi phono stage, the sound quality is amazing, the design is pretty simple, optional loading with RCA plug resistors. Great price in AUD ! With the right cartridge this phono stage can be better than Gold Note PH-10 ! |
Hi I own the Parasound Halo JC3 Jr. I looked hard at the Gold Note PH10. I liked the variable EQ curves of the GN and its aesthetics more. I found the Halo to be the best of the dozen phono amps I tried at limiting rfi (we live near a tower) and in the real world is extremely quiet. In the end, I don’t have a ton of records using the older Decca curves, etc. so the advantage of rhe GN in that regard didn't matter to me. While specs are not everything, i find Halo’s to be very honest and kore granular. I have included rhe GN also. I don’t think you could go wrong with either. Parasound JC3 Jr specs: Frequency Response: Total Harmonic Distortion Signal to Noise Ratio, 40 dB Setting Signal to Noise Ratio, 50 dB Setting Signal to Noise Ratio, 60 dB Setting Inter-channel Crosstalk Input Impedance Output Impedance Input Capacitance Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 4mV Input Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz, 1V Output Total Gain Gold Note Ph 10 specs Subsonic filter: 10Hz/36dB octave AUDIO INPUTS Input sensitivity: from 0.1mV MC to 7.0mV MM |
Look for JLTi phono stage or Gold Note PH-10 phono stage. |
I guess my main question, and my next step is what is a good phono stage to upgrade to??https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g958-croft-acoustics-micro-25-stereo-tube-preamplifier-mm-phon... |