Butch thanks for the recommendation. If my offer on a SE PH-3D doesn't get accepted I will look closer at the Minimax. I do NOT like this new Audiogon buying and selling system. Before I could get a response in a reasonable amount of time and now it can take 2 freaking days. Grrrrr :(
Phone stage for VPI Scout 1.1
Can anyone recommend a phono stage in the $300- approx. $1000 (new or used) range for my newly purchased Scout. I know there are tons out there however, any that stand out in this range or match well with VPI?
19 responses Add your response
I had access to a battery operated Sutherland that cost 3k new. I compared it directly to a Musical Surroundings Phonomena I ($1200) in same system. Based on what you like you would like the Sutherland. It had more of what people would consider a typical tube sound. Warmth, smooth, not as upfront and not as tight bass. The phenomena was much more upfront with tighter bass. The Sutherland was a bit better at separating voices from the mix a tab bit quieter. Overall different presentations. That being said the Sutherland edged out the phenomena but considering the price difference the phenomena did very well and was not blown out of the water. But again a Sutherland is more of the sound you may be going for. |
Sutherland seems to be a good one and receives nice reviews. The Insight is $1500 new I think however, $950 seems like a good deal. Do you have experience with Sutherland Yogiboy? What is the sonic signature? I'm more of a tube guy so I don't like the cooler side or front row but also don't like too warm or back row. |
A friend of mine uses the IPhono stage with stellar results in combination with his Scout/Zephyr. Well worth the $$. Smack in the middle of your price range. http://http//ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-iphono/ http://http//www.musicdirect.com/p-161016-ifi-micro-iphono-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx |
| Post removed |
Its actually more important to match the phono stage to the cartridge you are using, not the TT. So in this case an Ortofon 2M Black. Being a MM cartridge, you want to find a phono stage that has as selectable capacitance as low as possible to at least 100pf. Most fixed stages are at around 200pf. Some standouts within your budget that I can think of would be... Creek OBH-15MKII Lehman Black Cube Moon 110LP Musical Surroundings Phonomena II The above would be a good place to start. |