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suggestions for new phono stage

So, I have settled on the Zyx Ultimate Airy for the cartridge and would like to see if I can get a larger soundstage with better 3D imaging.  Am thinking about a phono stage as a way to do this.  I currently have a JLTi v 3 and have enjoyed it over the years, perhaps there is better?  I really like the tube sound (I know the JLTi is SS but very nice).  Budget is about $3500 willing to buy used.  System is Nottingham Spacedeck with SME 309 arm with Van Den Hul silver tonearm cable, Amp is Cayim 300B with some really nice tube upgrades, speakers are Omega AlNiCo 6" and Omega deep hemp subs.  Some possibilities are VTL TP 2.5i, Manley Chinook, Cary VT 500, Allnic H1500II LCR, Zesto Andros PS1, Prima Luna EVO 100, Hagerman Trumpet, RCM Audio Sensor, Paradox Phono 70 signature, and of course the JLTi v5.  I need to narrow this down! 

Thanks for any help here. 

oceanica
reimarc's avatar
reimarc
66 posts
 

Congratulations for your ZYX purchase: I only heard great things about the brand.

I have tried several phono-stages in my system. I was very happy with the EMIA step-up transformer in combination with the Sunvalley Audio SV-EQ1616D phono stage (with an ELROG 300 rectifier tube): https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-42-sunvalley-audio-sv-eq1616d-phono-equalizer; I also tried the Pass Labs XP-17 https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/pass-laboratories-xp-17-phonostage/), but was disappointed, as it produced too much of a good thing, making it sound bombastic. I then became the very happy owner of a SUPRATEK Grange preamp from Down-Under, which has an exceptional phono stage built in. And yes, I sold my Sunvalley-EMIA combination, albeit not happily, but because it had become superfluous. So, if I were you, I would definitely look into this combination, which has one of the best price/quality ratios I can think of. Best of luck!

woots's avatar
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woots
293 posts
 

Check out Vertere Audio. Phono-1 - Mkll priced around $2k.
If you want tubes you can’t beat Audio Research  

Good Luck!

 

njkrebs
40 posts
 

Modwright gear, specifically the PH9.0XT would be a dynamite choice. I have Dan’s reference phono PH150 with NOS Telefunkin 6922’s. I always consider not just fantastic sound, but fantastic customer service and I’m not sure there’s many better combos out there than Modwright. 

inagroove
106 posts
 

I am using an Zesto Andros 1.2.  It is attractive, flexible and sounds great (of course). 

George is one of the nicest guys in the industry, and returns calls himself.

Finally, I am using the stock JJ83ECC 12AX7 tubes, which are inexpensive and George said sounded better than everything else, including NOS.

If I were upgrading, I would look no further than ARC or Zesto - two of the best at your price point.

Borrow/demo a short list (maybe top 2 or 3) to make your final decision.

I am not affiliated...

oceanica OP
17 posts
 

Thanks again everyone.  Does anyone else have experience with the Hagerman Trumpet?  I know it uses jfet front end, but so do some of the others in this thread that run double the price or more.  

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