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Need help with finding a new phono stage.

I just got my SOTA TT back from being upgraded from a Star to a Nova. Now I need to work on getting a new phono stage. I currently have a Cary PH-301 that has served me well for years but I'm looking for a phono stage where I can adjust the gain, impedance and preferably the capacitance as well. I have mounted a new Benz M2 wood body MC cartridge (0.8mV) on the Kuzma Stogi tonearm. According to the papers the recommended load is 200 - 47k ohms. I don't see a figure for the capacitance. My Cary has a swicth on the back to go from MC to MM (60db/42db), and says the impedance is adjustable (MC only, 10k - 68k, MM fixed at 47k) but the manual does not instruct how to do this.

Any suggestions for a new or used phono stage in the $1500 price range. I prefer tubes but could go solid state. If anyone also knows what impedance level would be best between 200 - 47k ohms and what the capacitance on my Benz cartridge I'd appreciate knowing that as well.

Thanks
clio09
c123666
871 posts
 
Clio,
You might also speak with an Audio Note representative or send an email to Audio Note asking about their transformer line. They make quite a few different ones and most are adjustable. They range from modestly priced (for high end;ie, about 600 to start) to outrageously priced.

The best Audio Note transformers are the Japanese made units by Kondo. Not surprisingly, these also command quite high prices on the used market but they are quite remarkable.
clio09 OP
3,355 posts
 
C123666,

Thanks for the advice. Right now here is where I am at: Yesterday a 3 month old Whest PS .20 popped up on Audiogon and I grabbed it. This was thought to be out of my budget at $2500, but I got a sweet deal on this one so I could not refuse. In the meantime I ordered the Decware 1.5 and have a sale pending on a Hagerman Trumpet MM with a separate step up transformer, again another sweet deal I could not refuse. I'll be comparing all 3 and then keeping one. I'm sure all 3 can be easily resold, or in the case of the Decware, returned. As such I passed on the Eastern Electric and BAT for the time being.
xronx
55 posts
 
i can strongly reccomend the Audio Research PH5 wich i use with a Kuzma StabiS/StogiS turntable and a Benz Ruby 2...wonderful musically and rich, just "right" sounding with a huge huge soundstage wich is wonderful 3 dimensional...loading options via remote from 100 ohms - 47 k...so a medium output of your benz will fit perfectly...
nicksgem10s
98 posts
 
Clio09,
Please post your impressions of the different phono stages when you can. I am interested to know what your preference will be & why. I am in the market also & am looking for all the input I can get. Sounds like you made some good choices to make your selection from. Have fun.
c123666
871 posts
 
Yes, please post as I am quite interested in learning about your impression of the Decware phono.
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