2. analog
  3. 135998-111474

Phono (0.1- 0.22mV+) or step up for LOMC?

A rookie needs some help please...
Would you buy a phono (0.1- 0.22mV+) or step up for LOMC? Which one? Why? It's an Ikeda 9TT (2ohm, 0.2mV) with a VPI Classic, and Dynaudio BM5 MKiii monitors with volume box.
I have found the following options in the past few days. Phono:
Gold Note PH-10 (0.1mV)
Gold Note PH-1 (0.15mV)
Gold Note PH-7 (0.15mV)
EAR 834p (0.22mV)
Nighthawk F117 (???mV)
Which one would you choose?
I am leaning towards the PH10, but honestly I dont need all those settings, but if IT sounds superior than the other then I would go for it. The Nighthawk sounds really good also for the price but I couldn't find the specifications and I am not sure if it's good as any of the Gold Notes. Used EAR 834p can be an option also but I read really mixed opinions about it. 
Now what I have now is a Musical Fidelity MX VYNL (0.4mV if its balanced), now I am running unbalanced. It's biggest advantage is I could run it full balanced all the way from the tonearm to the monitors and maybe some factory upgrade is possible, regarding to the website in the gain and plus a PSU.

Or step up?
Ortofon?
Denon?
It must be Max 1000pounds used.

Thank you all :)
korakotta

Showing 1 response by spindoctor0470

spindoctor0470's avatar
spindoctor0470
20 posts
 
Hi 
I have an Ikeda Kai mounted on an Ikeda IT 407 arm fitted on
a Merrilll Williams 101.2 TT.
  I use a Tom Evans Master Groove 11 phono stage set
for 0.2 mV input and it has user selectable resistance settings.
  It is deadly quiet even at the highest volume settings which neither of
my two other two LCR and CR valve phono stages can compete with.
Sound quality wise the Mastergroove with the Kai is sumblime.
It's not SS or 'tube' sounding. Just whatever is on the record is what you get. 
I originally listened via a Tom Evans Groove SRX 11 which is fabulous for the money. I was so Impressed by the SRX that I upgraded to The Mastergroove. I have no association with Tom Evans. I'm just a very happy customer.
More to discover