Dohmann Helix One-
You've arrived, when you can say the Manley Steelhead is "just getting by."
Well done.
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.
Showing 3 responses by tablejockey
"have 10-15 years left of good hearing, so I may as well spend my money on something I can enjoy for a while. . . " We're only here once. drbond- Hopefully your diagnosis ISN'T correct, and deterioration is MUCH slower. For me it's MASSIVE tinnitus/7K khz and above is all but gone for me. Compliments the rest of my medical baggage(plenty) While this isn't in the upper echelon of "higher fi," it was an Agon darling 10 or so years ago. The build quality looks a little cheap, but all reports seem to say the same thing-excellent all tube phono stage. https://positive-feedback.com/Issue57/nvo.htm https://www.ambienceaudio.com/product.htm?id=qk9nthln Happy hunting.
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"Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Reference Level 5.1." drbond, no_regrets suggestion arguably might be the "best" true all tube phono stage you'll get. https://theaudioarchive.com/TAA_Products_Wavestream_Kinetics.htm Truly on a different level from all other tube units that are suggested. |