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Tube Phono kits

Just wanted to hear from inmates on which TUBE PHONO KITS they would recommend. AES PH-1 (Cary Audio), $500-600 Cornet 2 (Hagerman Tech.),$500-700 Tercel (BlueBerry), or $1200-1500 K & K audio?

Hoping someone in this Audio community has done some comparison in one way or the other. I currently have the AES Ph-1 which I built 4 yrs ago. Quite happy with it but
I need more gain! Yes...Gain. This puppy is rated at 36 dB gain while the majority of what I research are in the 40+ dBs. (Buying another cartridge with higher output is not a route for me to take at this point. I'm using a Grado prestige gold with my Linny.

I've heard good reviews of the Cornet2 however, would this be an upgrade from my existing AES PH-1 (with regards to S/N & sonics?)

Would love to hear from experiences here at Agon.

Thanks in advance. Price is no object as long as they are TUBE based KITS... Not interested in used name-brand units.
I love to build my own..
jojazz402
8 responses Add your response
david12
1,454 posts
 
I am ashamed to admit I did'nt build it, but the K&K is the best stage I have had in my system. It is quiet and abolisherd the RFI problem I had experienced with every other stage I have had. Nice sound , but not lush and tube like, good across the frequency exchange. As a bonus, Kevin is great to deal with. I don't know why, but the owners of so many small US companies seem so good to deal with, Tyler, Daedalus, K&K, Ridge street, all were patient and very helpful. Perhaps it's because they are all enthusiasts too.
slv
87 posts
 
Take a look at the Transcendent Sound Tube Phono Preamp kit. I don't own it (I don't have a turntable), but I do have their Grounded Grid Preamp and love it. It also has 52dB of gain. Just a suggestion. :o)
jojazz402 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks guys for your feedbacks.
Would really like to hear from AES Ph1 owners (or previous owners) who have upgraded to any of the aforementioned Tube phono stages.

Don't get me wrong, the AES PH-1 is NOT a bad preamp.
I just need more gain and looking to better it with existing tube phono kits out there.($500-$1500 range).
Hopefully there's somebody out there who has taken this route.

I've read a lot of reviews on the mentioned phono stages (Cornet2, K&K, Tercel, Seduction,& Wp200C) but none on direct comparisons yet w/ the Audio electronic Supply Ph-1 by Cary Audio.
Not being difficult here just clarifying.
Got similar results from Audio Asylum post.
carlbecker
27 posts
 
The Bottlehead Seduction with S&B transformers might be worth a like at if value is a priority. I was really impressed with their linestage although I replaced it with a stepped attenuator/passive. With the linestage and phono together will give about 60db gain.
hoosier1
22 posts
 
Check out DIY HiFi Supply (www.DIYhifisuppply.com). I have the Cole phono pre and it has high and low gain for mc cartridges. It's a great sounding phono. Different mods are available also.

Jim
clio09
3,360 posts
 
Divo, I wouldn't say the K&K easily surpasses the Hargerman Trumpet. I have had both in my system and each has its positives and negatives in comparison to one another. Overall the differences were pretty subtle. The K&K SE is quieter, with tighter bass, and is a bit more dynamic. However, in comparison to the Trumpet the soundstage is a bit smaller. The Trumpet had better mids and high end extension. I would say the biggest negative of the Trumpet in my system had nothing to do with the sound, but rather its footprint. It was hard to place, which is why the K&K is now in my system as it easily fits on a rack and does offer a MC option, another bonus.
divo
60 posts
 
The K&K easily surpasses the Hagerman Trumpet also.
Superb design.
clio09
3,360 posts
 
The Cornet would be an upgrade IMO, and if you're looking for a real killer, get the K&K kit.
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