Here you go, Aesthetix IO: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/phono-aesthetix-io-2017-07-25-preamplifiers-48392a1b-fe5d-450b-926... I have no connection to the seller but this is one of the finest phono stages out there IMHO. |
I've been enjoying the ModWright PH-150 Reference Phono for the past year. It's a very flexible MM/MC, 2-input, RCA or XLR tube phono stage that fits in your price range (MSRP $8K). Sounds great IMO with the stock tubes, although others have tube-rolled with good results too. Front panel controls for all loading adjustments are a bonus. Dan Wright is an excellent manufacturer and tech advisor for this product. |
In that price range, I would definitely be getting the Zesto Tessera. Some reviews out there by Bob Levi and Michael Fremer. But it has all the flexibility in the world on the front panel as well. I had the lesser Zesto Andros and was the best tube phono pre I've heard. My dealer is a Zesto dealer and feel free to let me know if you want to talk with him about it. |
Based on your system description thread it appears that the outputs of the phono stage would be driving the analog inputs of a Benchmark DAC2 HGC. The analog inputs of the Benchmark (which are only provided as unbalanced RCAs) have a specified impedance of only 20K, which will be marginal (or worse) for use with many tube-based phono stages, including some of those that have been suggested. For example, the Lamm LP2.1 has a specified nominal output impedance of "typically 2.3K," which I suspect is significantly higher at deep bass frequencies, and even 2.3K does not meet the rule of thumb guideline of a 10x minimum ratio. Also, the ARC Ref Phono 2SE has a recommended load of "50K-100K ohms and 100pF (10K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum)," which would seem to imply that a 20K load is not ideal. Regards, -- Al |
