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 rsf507

There's review for the Gokd Note PH-1000 Phono Stage on HiFi Pig magazine.

Read the review here: https://www.hifipig.com/gold-note-ph1000-phonostage/#more-146474

Have never heard this unit but have their smaller PH-10 and matching PSU-10 and works and sounds great.
https://www.hifipig.com/gold-note-ph1000-phonostage/#more-146474

I'm contemplating this battery phono from Japan CSPort 

Mike Lavigne says it punches way above its price point 

 

From Channel d website:

Seta L20 mk2 MSRP $63,000.00 / Factory direct price $42,000.00

@mijostyn those new windows for the wife are now almost free! 😉

Just my thoughts but would like to see this thread titled "Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2" get back on track. Talking about subs is not that relevant to many. 

@rsf507 talking about $60,000 Phono stages is not that relevant to most people either

@mijostyn agree but it's a more interesting read than all this talk about sub integration. At least start a separate thread on subs. That was my point.