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Phono stage for tube system - recommendations?

I recently swapped my Blue Circle driving Merlins for the well regarded Ars Sonum Filharmonia integrated. I have gained a fair amount of air and presence but lost a smidgen of attack especially on higher spectrum of frequency. Front end is a Shelter 901/SME-V/Orbe SE.

I was previously considering moving from my modified GCPH to a tubed photo such as the K&K Maxxed out, Herron,JLTI Artemis, or Aesthetix Rhea, but am now having second thoughts going all tube, and contemplating upgrading along the lines of a Solid State Phono stage instead.

On the solid state side, the candidates are the usual suspects: Pass Xono, ASR, Whest, Tom Evans.

I'm sure at least a handful of members have come to this fork and have some experiences to share. Thoughts welcome!

Thanks,
Ben
128x128pureretro
bucketjr
17 posts
 
There is basically only one K&K. It is a tubed stage and uses the 6NP1. It is available in various configurations ie. with or without stepup etc.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Bucketjr,

Am looking at their website:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1258998100&openflup&11&4#11

Is this the one that cost $899 with the enclosure or the maxed out kit for $1899 w/ the enclosure ?

Thanks... this is interesting!!
Noli
pureretro's avatar
pureretro OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the enthusiastic responses. I failed to mention budget, which is around $2-2.5K used. At that price, a used Xono, new K&K Maxxed out with all the fixins', a used Groove, etc.

A strain gauge setup is probably beyond budget for now.

A mono switch is definitely a nice to have, and that brings the candidates to even fewer.

Keep the ideas coming!
bucketjr
17 posts
 
Nolitan, Its the same circuit. The differences are listed.
For example do you want their step up or do you have your own or do you not need one?,etc.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Bucketjr,

Thanks, i did look at those specs, etc...
Something to consider if to go tubes.
How do these stack up against the EAR834p or other tube phono amps ? Art Audio Vinly is another beauty.
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