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Phono stage shoot out: best mid priced unit?

OK am curious what the experience is with the following phono stages:

Tavish Audio Design Adagio

Gold Note PH10 with PSU 10 power supply

Manley Chinook

Whest Two.2

Pass XP12

Parasound JC3+

Sutherland 20/20

Priorities are: sound quality, flexibility and adjustability with differing cartridges, low noise, and overall quality.  I left out the Herron VTPH2a as it's out of production.

Of note I've purchased an EAT Petit, which for $1500 seemed like a good choice, but I'm wondering if spending a little more is the wiser choice.  The new Hegel V10 is also about the same price, but too new to know anything about it.

 

Thanks!

bobbydd

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,567 posts
 

I have a Pass XP-15 and a Manley Chinook.  The Chinook is pretty dynamic and has nice detail and is quiet.  The XP-15 hasn't seen much use since I got my Herron VTPH-2A, but it's a very good phono stage.  Lots of drive and very quiet.

The Chinook only has 2 gain settings and you have to remove the top to change them.  The XP-15 has all the gain and loading settings on the back which is more convenient, unless you don't have access to the back.

If I was forced to choose one, I would probably keep the XP-15 for its flexibility, but I might give the Chinook a little bit of an edge in sound quality.  It would be a tough choice, they are both very good.

Neither are in the same league as the Herron VTPH-2A.  If you can find a pre-owned VTPH-2A, grab it.  I have no experience with any of the others mentioned.

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