I expect everyone will recommend their own Phono stage and I'm going to as well. I have listened to a good view and even had a 5 phono stage shoot out at my home. I really can't fault the K&K stage from Kevin Carter, a JFet/tube hybrid with Lundahl step up transformers for MC cartridges.
It is excellent anyway, but Kevin keeps on producing upgrades, which he seems to insist on selling at cost. The only stage that has bested it was a Tron unit and that at nearly twice the price. It comes in Kit form, but Kevin can arrange to have it built for you, or used to anyway |
I'd consider a used Pass Labs Xono. It is very versatile with a lot of gain and many loading options and it has the dynamics and liveliness you seek. I also find it quite transparent. |
Allnic H1201. Get the used one in the marketplace, if it's not already gone. It will mop the floor with the Manley. |
I really liked the Avid Pulsus at that price point. Music Direct sells them so you can try it out without too much stress thanks to their excellent return policy.
Found it to be significantly better than the SimAudio 5.3LP with optional external power supply. A big surprise. Better quality and amount of bass, and less bright up top. Maybe run balanced the SimAudio would have performed better, but it was outclassed via RCAs. |
I'd recommend a Herron VTPH-2 Phono Preamplifier, you should be able to get one for around $2K on the used market. |
I have not heard the Herron, but yes based on its reputation it would be near the top of my list to audition for used at this price point. |
Used Herron VTPH-2 is the best possible phono stage in that price range. Nothing close, arguably at any price. Second choice would be a used Herron VTPH-1, especially if it is at the current mod level. |
HI-FI News did a comparison of 6 phono preamps under $2k pounds (roughly your budget)in its November 12, 2012 issue:
Avid Pulsus
Bel Canto Phono 3VB
Clearaudio Balance
Pathos Inthegroove MKII
Roksan Reference
Simaudio Moon 310LP
They liked all for various reasons. The overall winner was the Simaudio Moon 310LP. I wound up buying the 310P and later bought the separate power supply. I really like the sound. The review said the Avid was hands down the best value.
The article is now a year old but it can still give some good research info.
Good Luck |
How about the Nagra BPS ? Isnt it a benchmark phonostage ? |
I would recommend the Sutherland 20/20. |
Ditto on the Herron, even if you have to stretch the budget a little. It will likely be the last phono stage you will buy. |
Dear Pani: ++++ " How about the Nagra BPS ? Isnt it a benchmark phonostage ? " +++++
a benchmark?, maybe because its price or why?, please explain.
Regards and enjoy the music,
R. |
Most used high-end electronic equipment has been very well cared for. Manufacturers typically stand behind their products at this level. They can't afford to have any customer service issues or less than great product reliability.
Some manufacturers take selected older models in on trade for newer units or units that have significant upgrade or modification.
I say that because there are a LOT of really great used phono stages available used around that price point. They may have a few years on them but would be a real bargain.
Calling manufacturers to see if they have older used stock or trade-ins available for sale can provide some really great equipment for a fraction of the cost of new. |
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Ditch the Blue Point #2! It is crap! |
David12, the K&K phono pre now sports a MOSFET/tube cascode front end and a current source fed shunt regulator for the B+ supply. Having recently modified a buddy's unit I can testify that the changes are not at all subtle, but very compelling. If you haven't upgraded yet you shouldn't wait. For anyone sitting on the fence over purchasing one, these changes should tip them in favor of the K&K. |
I also recommend the Sutherland 20/20 which I've owned for about 2 years. It's very quiet with a true black background, has tremendous adjustability from both a gain settings and loading perspective and best of all both vocals and instruments sound like listening to the real thing in concert from jazz, rock, blues and classical music it makes the performers come alive in my room.I really can not find any fault with it and has been bullet proof for me; it continues to reproduce beautiful music that does not sound reproduced. |
Try the Fosgate Signature Phono Stage. |
I decided on the Parasound JC3. |
Interesting no one mentioned EAR 834P.
Is the EAR now old news compared to ones you guys mentioned.
I am in the same boat vinyl wise as the OP, and am currently auditioning the EAR, my first phono preamp. |
I have the same TT, I bought a Denon 103R cart, upgraded from a Cambridge 640P to ifi phono, big step in sound , to now a Musical Fidelity M6 vinyl.... oh now I know what Analog is suppose to sound like |
Try and go with tubes if you can, they are glorious at reproducing low level signals. Chinook or EAR834 great choices. |
@pbnaudio have you consider adding two inputs to the liberty? I have heard very good comments about your phono stage, but having two turntables i really want only one phono stage for my setup to replace what I already have. An ARCphr3 and a Roksan reference phono. The only one i can think of that has this option is is the gold note ph 10. Kind regards. |
Switching on the input side of an amplifier with 64dB if gain is very difficult. We did attempt to do a B2B with 3 inputs, switchable gain loading, both capacitive and resistive loading. Getting it quiet was impossible.
Buy two B2B-1 🎶👍 |
having two turntables i really want only one phono stage for my setup to replace what I already have. An ARCphr3 and a Roksan reference phono. The only one i can think of that has this option is is the gold note ph 10. Kind regards. Gold Note is a game changer for those who’re using two tonearms on one turntable (or two turntables) and willing to have only one phono stage to switch between two MM/MC inputs quickly and easily. The usability of the PH-10 is second to none with all the settings switchable on the front panel. The sonic preferences is individual, but the convenience of Gold Note PH-10 is really something. I can’t recall any phono stage with all these options, especially when each input can be MM or MC, so two MC (or two MM) cartridges can be connected at the same time. This is amazing. |
I second @hagtech, make sure it is a tubed-pre. plenty of choices |
Actually this post is from 2013 |
