2. analog
  3. 1376907736

Oh no , not another phono stage rec

Yes friends it is but with a twist .

I am seeking a phono stage with a warm presentation that will warm up , or come into its own , in a rather short time .
Let me explain . I am currently using the Music Hall MMF 5.1 turntable and their 2.2 model phono stage which is SS .
This 2.2 phono takes @ 7 hours to start to warm up or come into its own to sound decent . My tubed integrated amp takes about 30 minutes and by tubed CDP takes about 45 minutes to get to a nice listenable state . I do prefer tubed equipment for its sound and adjustability .
I live in paradise...central Florida , the lightening capital of the country ! Leaving my equipment plugged in is not an option and that is the twist !

So , a phono stage (tubed ?) that will produce good sound on the warm side of neutral and do it in a time frame commensurate with the other pieces , about 30-45 minutes .
I am using a MM cartridge and would like to keep the price under $1,500 , new or used . Does such an animal exist ?

Thank You
saki70

Showing 3 responses by stevecham

stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I have been exploring the sonic views afforded by under $100 moving magnetic cartridges with a Technics SL-1200 MkII table this summer and I bought a pre-owned Bellari VP130 phono stage, rolled some tubes and settled on a Telefunken ribbed 12AX7 I had. This stage is VERY warm, reaches full performance in a few minutes, and if you like bloom and three dimensionality, it will certainly do that and do it well. I leave it on constantly as it burns very little juice. It is a true high end BARGAIN (as is the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge).
Steve
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Saki: I have the Liberty B2B and it is now my reference for a solid state MC stage (I haven't yet tried it on the MM setting but will do so this weekend). I have also had the EAR834p, Aesthetix Rhea, Krell KPE and (currently) Manley Chinook. Of those, I would say the Bellari most closely matches the sonic attributes of the EAR834p, with it's warmth and tube bloom. The Manley is more like a solid state sound, at least in my system.

The B2B is BY FAR the quietest phono stage I have ever owned and, with Lyra cartridges (Delos or Helikon) is a perfect match. I had a second Chinook and sold that in favor of this phono stage for the sound in my solid state system; the other Chinook I kept for a separate tube based system.

Judy: Peter is the manufacturer of the the B2B phono stage and, like Jonathan Carr at Lyra, is welcomed here. I recommend that all who are interested or are looking for a new phono stage at least try his phono stage in their system, as I did. It is a very fine piece of audio componentry and you just might find that, as I did, it is a keeper. Like I said, if you want an extremely quiet stage that has wonderful balance, warmth and resolution, this might be the ticket. No, I am not affiliated with PBN Audio. Just a satisfied customer. Read my review.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Personally, I wish that MORE manufacturers would get on here and directly help with these discussions. I want discourse and honest dialog about the whys, insides and outs of component philosophy design and construction. I want to be able to ask designers and manufacturers QUESTIONS.

These all should be encouraged as part of contributing to the decision making process. In my humble opinion, we need more representation from those designing and making this stuff.

In other words, I want to be INFORMED by consumers and makers alike. I'll bet I'm not alone.
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