Phono Stage Advice

Even at a much lower level, such as my present system, the phono stage is the component that I have to be careful about choosing. It wasn’t whether the unit was good or bad so to say, but how well it worked with the cartridge that I am using. Funny thing is that once I got the ’right’ phono stage, it revealed how lacking my cartridge is, and on we go. FWIW, I have tried out 4 phono stages just to get this far. I should also add that they were of 3 different designs, i.e. LR (inductor Resistance), two tubed, and SS.

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies and depth of knowledge. Definitely did not realize the complexity involved and will do the research.  I’ll also reach out to Donna as suggested.  
 

Woots

@woots - here’s my choice

For the phono stage

• Simmaudio Moon 610 LP
• one of the quietest, most configurable and detailed phono stages out there
• the 810 LP is even better

For the turntable - MUSIC HALL MMF11.3 TURNTABLE

• music hall’s unique quadruple-plinth design with improved TPE vibration isolation
• new freestanding and completely isolated motor assembly
• dual motor and flywheel assembly is located on the center left side of the turntable eliminating all motor and belt vibration from the cartridge
• one-piece 9cc Evolution carbon fiber tonearm
• tonearm uses hardened Swiss ABEC 7 ball races in inverted bearing
• tonearm is internally wired with flexible wire drawn from high purity copper with only two contact points from cartridge to output connectors
• counterweight’s center of gravity is level with the stylus tip is decoupled from the arm and acts as a resonance damper
• fully adjustable VTA, azimuth, and dampened arm lift
• exclusive microprocessor electronic speed control with dual motor single flywheel drive system
• 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speed change at the touch of a button
• adjustable magnetic-levitation feet
• inverted ceramic main bearing for ultra-quiet operation
• 7.4 lbs. (3.35 kg) acrylic platter
• detachable phono cable
• high quality gold-plated RCA connectors
• display-style large removable acrylic dust cover

Then pick a cartridge that is compatible with the arm

• I would select from the Soundsmith lineup

That should round up to your budget

Regards - Steve

First you have top flight tube gear w ARC selections you have made. IMO, knowing well several  of the top 5 ARC dealers in the country ( Randy at Optimal Enchantment ) in Santa Monica and Johnny at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and Alan Jones at HiFi buys in Atlanta, can assist you w a complex upgrade…to get the MOST out of those stellar ARC components.

Having said that, SOTA w Origin live arm, Lyra or similar cartridge from Donna as @sbank astutely mentions is a great path. Your system deserves a stellar phono stage ! 

Best to you on your search. Also put a Degritter RCM in the budget for sure.

Jim

@woots I've had near the top of VPI and Technics previously and now I've been very happy with Sota. My system page has pics and documents those changes over many years. Calling Donna at Sota is always worthwhile. She will share arm and cart matching advice for their tables too. She saved me some bucks with Bstock walnut cabinet which you'd never know is Bstock.

Cheers,

Spencer

Sbank,

thanks for the thoughtful reply. I appreciate everything you had to say and will start digging. Did not realize it was as deeply involved as you stated.  Do you have a preference for your TT?

woots

You're on the right track to get a separate phono stage and eliminate bypassing your AR line stage and using the McI. 

You are asking a pretty complex question if you've got $20K total to invest in table/arm/cart and phono stage. IMHO, the Project is okay, but modest vs. your other gear, and an upgrade would better leverage your electronics investment. You need to account for many factors, each which deserves research and is usually discussed in separate threads:

• cartridges will be MM, HOMC or LOMC and whichever output level you choose needs to be paired w/ compatible phono stage
• cartridge's compliance needs to be matched to the tonearm's to eliminate audible resonance. Research "cartridge resonance calculator". To oversimplify...lighter carts on heavier arms & vice-versa, but not exactly
• pros/cons of ss phono stages vs. tubed. Many start w/ SS because the low signals from phono are much more noise-susceptible than other signals. RFI from radio, etc. are far more challenging w/tubed phono stages. OTOH tubed can be glorious in right circumstances.
• belt vs. direct drive tables -- a giant rabbit hole in itself.  

Saw an ad pop today for SME20/Graham Phantom/Lyra Titan for $9K. IMHO this is a great deal that would WOW you with any decent phono stage. 

Whatever you consider, be sure to confirm a number of users having reported success matching the cart with the arm, the output level of the cart with the phono stage.   Cheers,

Spencer