Phono stage question


I have a Cary Audio SLP70 preamp (Circa 1993) with a phono stage. It uses two 12AX7 tubes for the phono stage. I recently upgraded my turntable to a Pro-Ject X2. The phono stage in my Cary is the only phono stage I have experienced. I think it sounds great especially with the new X2 spinning my vinyl. But as with most of us, I’m always thinking “Is there something better?”. I’ve been reading a lot about phono preamps. Mostly tube preamps in the $1000 range. But I’ve also read where the phono stage in the Cary is quite good. My problem is having nothing to compare it to. Are there phono preamps in the $1000 range worth considering? Other components in my system are Pass Labs XA30.8 amp and early 90s Chapman T7 speakers.
z32kerber

Showing 2 responses by barryaudiophile

The real question is " WTF is going on here?

If you step over the line and become an audiophile then all the rules upon which you base your life. . . change. 

Audiophilism  is like drugs. And a cult.  Both are a chase of a better illusion, a more profound deception of your senses, and it feels GREAT when it happens  ! ! !

Because your mind habituates to the current reality, the search is for the next best eargasm is constant in your life.  You are a critic of everything you know, and a slave to what is the next incredible sonic experience you know you will have.

So what's wrong here is the same thing my cat says to me when I buy cheap cat-nip. The idea is can you pay too much to makes you happy?  

Wake up, it's only money while audio is life.
A buddy of mine got a 'Black Swan" for $1,500, says it blew away his $13,000 Pass Labs.  I will hear his system soon and know more more.