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SS phono stage in $2k to $3k range...

I'm looking to purhase a new phono stage. I'd prefer solid state. My budget is $2k to $3k. I'd like enough gain for typical LOMC. My preferences are low noise, detail, nice soundstaging, no harshness, and flexible loading options. On my radar screen are the JLTi (w/power supply), Whest PS.30R, and Pass Xono (used). I'd like good build quality and reliablity, but these are probably inherent in a SS phono stage in this price range. Any others to consider? Anything about any of these three candidates that make them stand out in a good or bad way relative to the others? Thanks!
rockinrobin

Showing 3 responses by rockinrobin

rockinrobin OP
74 posts
 
Thanks for that Graham Slee recommendation. That stuff looks really nice! I read all sorts of informative rambligs on their web site. I hadn't considered Graham Slee before, but the Reflex and Elevator are definitely on my list of potential choices now. I could probably start with just the Reflex now and continue to use my MM cartridge for a while. That way I could spread out the expenditures over time and add the Elevator and an MC cartridge later when my wallet recovers a bit. Perhaps that is the path to take...
rockinrobin OP
74 posts
 
Thanks for the info about the Xono! I'll check out the Heed and the Sutherland, too.
rockinrobin OP
74 posts
 
You folks have given me some interesting alternatives to check out.

I have bought stuff fom Jay before and he has recommended the JLTi or Whest to me. I do trust his opinions and he's a really nice guy, too! I came up with the Pass Xono idea on my own. It's interesting that the JLTi and Xono apparently sound similar. They sure are physically different! LOL... The Pass is two large boxes and the JLTi (w/power supply) is two tiny ones. I am fortunate that I do have much vacant rack space, so size doesn't really matter to me. The JLTi is kind of 'cute', though! How's the build quality on the JLTi? Are the RCA jacks of high quality? I'm not concerned about the Pass Labs build quality. The Whest is totally an unknown to me, and there isn' much info about the PS.30R on the web, likely because it's newly released, I think.
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