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Phonomena, vs PS GCPH, Others?

I've learned so much here as an observer but am going to request opinions proactively on this one. I've realized that I've over-done it in the warmth department at the expense of dynamics in my analogue chain. I recently auditioned a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II to replace my Pro-ject Tube Box II phono pre and enjoyed its dynamic extension. I dug it but a PS Audio GCPH has me wondering as I like my Digi Link iii DAC and could get one used for around the same. Are there other SS offerings that I should be looking at in this price range that would move me forward from my overly mellow presentation? Other stuff: Quad 22l2>Jolida 707a>Pro-ject Perspective TT w/ Grado Gold (could soon be switched to something like a Benz Ace).
grantd

Showing 1 response by plato

plato
1,543 posts
 
On the other hand, I have tried 3 new GCPH's and all of them were objectionably noisy and had too much hum with my 0.26mV output Benz MC cartridge. So world-class, I think not, in my view, far from it.

I've had better luck with the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena, the Ray Samuels F-117 Blackhawk, and the Vacuum State JLTi although I admit the PS has nice features and works well with cartridges that are not very low output models.
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