A new Hagerman Trumpet MC costs only $1K new and I think it compares favorably past the $3K price range. Possibly beyond even that price range, if you favor a phono stage with a warm, open sound. Extremely flexible gain & load settings via switches on the front panel. I absolutely love mine, and I also own the following: VAC Renaissance SE, Rogue Ares Magnum, Herron VTPH-2A, and Sonic Frontiers Phono 1SE+. I’ve been pretty bowled over by the Trumpet MC’s performance for its price. It sounds like the old tower-style Trumpet, but adds a balanced JFET front end (for additional MC gain) that’s fantastic! Again, it's a little on the warm side but I really like that about it! I particularly enjoying mine with a Benz LPS so far.
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.