Thanks for the info about the Xono! I'll check out the Heed and the Sutherland, too.
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!
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You might want to consider the AQVOX 2Ci. It's half of what you are looking to spend, but the reviews place it as serious competition for phono pres in that higher range. 10Audio Stereophile review Positive Feedback Dagogo Another combination worth considering is the Graham Slee Era Gold Reflex w/ their EXP Elevator "transformerless" stepup. I did a direct comparison of the preceding Era Gold mkV + EXP vs. the JLTi in an extremely revealing and well put together vinyl system and the two were nearly identical in performance. With the newer Reflex, GS would have been the clear winner. |
My personal favorites are the Pass XOno and Vacuumstate JLTI. I compared the JLTI a while ago to the Sutherland and the Graham Slee Era Gold. I preferred the JLTI to both: the Sutherland was too polite slightly lacking the dynamics of the JLTI, the Graham Gold was not that refined IMO. Overall both stages did not come close to the resolution of the JLTI. Between Pass and JLTI is comes down to your cartridge - I preferred the tightly controlled bass and extra dynamics and control of the Pass with my Allaerts. With a Lyra Argo (i) I slightly preferred the JLTI. I did hear good things of the Heed audio too, but have never compared it. |
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