Please add me to the list of folks recommending Pass Labs. The now discontinued XP15 (which is what I have) is in your price range, is great with MC cartridges. The XP15 does almost everything the XP25 did, except for you have dip switches on the back of the unit instead of dials on the front. And, it can only accommodate 1 table at a time. Along with my CJ tube amps and preamp, I have found the balance that's perfect for me.
Used phono preamp options - feedback requested
Greetings, all.
Here's my rig:
Thorens TD124 Mk 1 w/Mk II upgrades
Lyra Delos or Paradox Pulse D103R
Handmade Walnut Arm on unipivot bearing
Paradox Pulse Phono 70 preamp (MM/MC)
I'm in the market to find a phono stage up to about $2K to compare and contrast with the Paradox Pulse.
Open to suggestions however, considering these specific phono stages (all used):
Clearaudio Balance Plus
Sutherland 20/20
EAR Phonobox
Sonic Frontiers Phase 1 SE
Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL
Musical Fidelity NuVista
and possibly a Herron VTPH-1 (I can't get the guy to contact me back).
and.new:
Decware ZP3 and ZMC SUT
I'm interested in tubes primarily, but can be swayed to try another solid state stage w/good (and easy) loading capabilities.
Please don't bash - I'm looking for real experience with any/all of these, or something in the vein. I have my priorities in the list, but am truly looking for quality input from the group.
Thanks in advance.
Here's my rig:
Thorens TD124 Mk 1 w/Mk II upgrades
Lyra Delos or Paradox Pulse D103R
Handmade Walnut Arm on unipivot bearing
Paradox Pulse Phono 70 preamp (MM/MC)
I'm in the market to find a phono stage up to about $2K to compare and contrast with the Paradox Pulse.
Open to suggestions however, considering these specific phono stages (all used):
Clearaudio Balance Plus
Sutherland 20/20
EAR Phonobox
Sonic Frontiers Phase 1 SE
Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL
Musical Fidelity NuVista
and possibly a Herron VTPH-1 (I can't get the guy to contact me back).
and.new:
Decware ZP3 and ZMC SUT
I'm interested in tubes primarily, but can be swayed to try another solid state stage w/good (and easy) loading capabilities.
Please don't bash - I'm looking for real experience with any/all of these, or something in the vein. I have my priorities in the list, but am truly looking for quality input from the group.
Thanks in advance.