2. amps-preamps
  3. 1332026632

VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

I'm contemplating my next upgrade. Thought you guys could help.

I spin mostly vinyl. I have a great analogue front end that feeds a VAC Standard LE pre and VAC PHI 200 amp, both of which I love. The MC stage on the pre is really good, but a little noisy (hiss). Kevin is sending me new 12AX7s that Brent will test for very low noise at the VACtory. Those guys just rock!

My question, however, is how much do I need to spend on an outboard MC phono stage if I want a significant upgrade to the already wonderful sound of the built-in stage?

I know, why don't I just enjoy the wonderful sound? Because it's upgrade time, baby! There will always be a next level (we really need a 12 step group for this hobby).

I'm looking at the Zesto Andros ($3900), the Herron VTPH-2 ($3700), and possibly the new Manley Chinook ($2200).

Ideally, I could audition these in my system, but the nearest dealer is far away, so I'll have to order one.

Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks,
Alón (no, not Wolf)
alonski

Showing 4 responses by robd2

robd2
45 posts
 
@alonski sorry to revive an older thread but this is great stuff! I'm on a similar gear trajectory as yourself. How are you enjoying your VAC gear a few years later?
robd2
45 posts
 
Love to hear that @alonski !  I'm close to ordering a Signiture SE preamp but can't decide if I want to get the internal phono vs buying an outboard. I'm able to in home demo the SE preamp but it doesn't have the phono. I have heard the Ren MKV preamp with phono. The line stage was great but I didn't like the phono on my system. Thoughts? My current cart is the LO MC Sumiko Blackbird.
robd2
45 posts
 
I was thinking about the break in as being a factor because every time I saw this pre amp setup in the store it always had an outboard plugged into it. Maybe it hasn't been used enough? Or my store knows not to demo the phono... ; ) I will say it sounds like the phono needs time to open up. The unit is 13 months old.

Another interesting factor, what happens to me is that the line stage sounds so fantastic with my Ayre CD player then I switch over to the phono expecting to be wowed further. The line stage is that good.
robd2
45 posts
 
Big kudos to @rhljazz ! After about another 10hrs of break in time the on board phono is sounding pretty sweet! Not "perfect" but sounding much better. Will be interesting to see if if cleans up any more.
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