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Phono stage for my system?

I am getting back into my vinyl collection and would like some recommendations from vinyl enthusiasts. My equipment includes the following. 

Ayre K-5xe pre-amp - no phono stage
Pro-ject Debut III turntable with stock Ortofon cartridge (OM 5e I believe)
Proceed HPA2 amp
Aerial Acoustics Model 8b speakers

I am currently using the phono stage in my Integra video processor/pre-amp the signal from which passes through the Ayre pre-amp. I find it lacking in detail and soundstage even when listening to some excellent DG and Decca classical recordings. I realize my cartridge may pose some limitations, so let me know if you view that as an area for potentially greater improvement. 

Given the level of my turntable and cartridge, my budget is up to $1,000 for the phono stage, with the understanding I may choose to upgrade the cartridge or turntable in the future.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

sameyers1

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Its not the cartridge, its the crappy home theater phono stage. Plus what are you running it through? Patch cords? Even a budget stand-alone phono stage will be a massive improvement, and then if you also get a pretty decent interconnect watch out, your table will be transformed. 

You can probably find a good used ARC PH3SE for under a grand. Hardly anything new that price will be as good, and if you upgrade you will probably be able to sell and hardly lose a dime, hard to do with anything new.


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