Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2


Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2.  I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!  

The next phase of my system now needs attention:  the phono stage.  Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers). 

I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).  
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT).  I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.  

I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA  LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT.  I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range. 
Thanks. 

drbond

Showing 5 responses by jperry

You should put the Nagra Classic Phono on your audition list. I have heard they may be producing a High Definition Phono, which you may also want to consider.

https://www.nagraaudio.com/product/nagra-classic-phono/

You can likely have the Classic Phono customized. If not you can run a SUT into the MM phono. The Nagra Classic replaced the VPS in 2020 and is better than the VPS, which it replaced.

If Nagra releases a HD Phono, which seems likely given they just started making a turntable, I am sure it will be impressive, having heard the HD preamp and DAC.

New Nagra HD Phono PreamplifierNagra writes: "Year after year we are pursuing our quest of excellence by developing ambitious product to complement our lines. Following the Classic PHONO and largely developed in parallel, the Nagra HD PHONO will release in September 2022. We are extremely happy to show it for the very first time. It encompasses Nagra HD Line DNA with a separate vibration controlled housing on suspensions. It is a double-mono, tube based preamplifier with 70 dB of gain and wide range of fine settings to extract the most of your cartridge."