@liamowen - Agree with your opinion of the Pass XP 15 - well built, neutral, versatile phono stage. I didn't like the lack of a power on/off switch or the tiny dip switches in the rear, to adjust resistive or capacitative loading- but its a very nice phono stage and a bargain on the used market. The XP 15 could potentially be your last phono preamp, its that good. I fixed the issues mentioned above by adding an on/off switch to the power cord, and have it turned around (front to back) on my rack so I can access the dip switches with ease - I use 4 MC cartridges - a Shelter 901iii/Denon 103R/Denon 301ii/and an AT OC9mlii- they work beautifully with the XP 15.
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.