After trying various phono stages with my ZYX R100H cartridge these last months, I ended up with a BMC MCCI.
It is built like a tank, and it looks it right away!
It resembles the sound of the ASR mini Exclusive (runner up on my list) , but it somehow creates a more uniform transition from one instrument to the other, except when the artist (or sound engineer) specifically wants something to stand out.
Other phono stages I tried at home on the same setup were the PS Audio, the Audio Analogue Aria (junk for MC carts) and the RCM.
Please note that the BMC has its quirks. It works with MC carts only.
Moreover you need a cart with low internal impedance. For example my Denon DL103 with an impedance of 40 Ohms was a disaster. The ZYX at 8 Ohms really sings.
Another issue is that you need XLR plugs connected to your tonearm cable. Not easy to connect different arms every now and then.
It is built like a tank, and it looks it right away!
It resembles the sound of the ASR mini Exclusive (runner up on my list) , but it somehow creates a more uniform transition from one instrument to the other, except when the artist (or sound engineer) specifically wants something to stand out.
Other phono stages I tried at home on the same setup were the PS Audio, the Audio Analogue Aria (junk for MC carts) and the RCM.
Please note that the BMC has its quirks. It works with MC carts only.
Moreover you need a cart with low internal impedance. For example my Denon DL103 with an impedance of 40 Ohms was a disaster. The ZYX at 8 Ohms really sings.
Another issue is that you need XLR plugs connected to your tonearm cable. Not easy to connect different arms every now and then.