Phono Preamp Suggestions?

Might just sell my 1500 when I go all out (hopefully soon). Start with the 1200. It has that same magical sound as the 1500 with less scale and body.

Comparing the 1200 to the XONO is like looking at a great photo/picture(xono) vs the looking at the real thing (allnic). Don't get me wrong, the pass is a great piece but it was not what I wanted.

I would recommend the Allnic H-1200. Great sounding piece. 2 mini tubes /ch for MM and uses apair of SUT's for MC. Unit is very quiet and the sound easilly rivals many $2000-4000 pieces I have used.

All I can say is I sold my Pass XONO after I listened to the Allnic H-1200 (on loan to me). The XONO sounded clearer/sterile while the Allnic sounded more organic, more open and magical. It did not have that typical hi-fi sound. If you like the hi-fi sound, the Pass XONO will have it in spades.

No, I did not end up getting the Allnic H-1200 but got it's bigger brother the H-1500 SE and will be getting the H-3000 when funds permit (hopefully soon).

Not me. I know this guy too. I am in Toronto. He too got the H-1500 and is happy with them.

The H-1200 retails around $1600 and the H-1500 around $5000 and the H-3000 approx $10,000 and yes, they're that good. I have tried many phono stages in the past 12 months...many big names where people and magazines raved about and none actually floats my boat until the H-1200 came around (on loan from a buddy whom also had many great stages come and go) and make me realize how live and magical my LP's could sound.

I ended up buying the H-1500(which I bought unheard). The H-1500 I have now has a certain magic and life to it's sound which makes it very hard to describe. People often associate equipment being warm, bright or neutral. The Allnics is none of the above. It's one word....."natural". It could be due to the LCR networks in the RIAA it uses which is very uncommon at these prices. The unit is very quiet with enough gain for my Dynavector XV1s and my Audio Note IO2v.

Lately, I have done a head to head between the H-1500 and the H-3000. If your source and system is capable, there is definitely an appreciable difference between the units.

Other phono stages that are value for money is the PS Audio GCPH which others have recommended. I have heard great things about this unit. More so of the underwood modded ones. Have not heard the EAR 834 in a very long time. The last time I owned one, it seemed to have a very dark and thick sound. I believe there are many mods out there (google) that you can do to make this unit sound better.

Lastly, if you're looking for musical enjoyment, the Allnic is all you need.

Cjfrbw, I have not tried the WE417 tubes yet. I did however change the rectifier tube with a Phillips miniwatt metal base and it made a huge difference. I am holding off the tube rolling and saving my $ for the H-3000 upgrade.

If you're happy with what you listened to, then just stick to it. That's the best piece of advise I can give you. We're all looking for different things. What might be best for me might not be what you're looking for.

I had the same thoughts like you had before I got the 1500. Lucky for me, I got the 1200 as a loaner and all it took was 5 minutes. I could easilly keep the 1500 as long as I am in vinyl land that's why I took the plunge.

Now after hearing the 3000, I will try get more $$$ together to make it happen.