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Valve phono stage

I’m considering switching to valves for my phono stage... can any of you guys recommend any with balanced outs for around $3800?

Current phono stage is Whest PS.30RDT.

I’m currently using a Roksan Xerxes 20Plus with Origin Live Encounter arm & upgraded Lyra Skala.

Or would I reap great rewards from an arm upgrade...?


Thanks

infection

Showing 15 responses by infection

infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
Not considered that... would you say I should?

infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
Thanks for your replies. 

@yogiboy  I have considered this!

@bpoletti I've already contacted Keith inquiring about his VTPH-2A. This is a serious contender...

@islandmandan I'll have a look at that. 


infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@donvito101 - thanks but Upscale do not ship tube components outside the U.S. Although I have contacted a Manley dealer in NY who does...

@lewm - I appreciate your suggestion but I want a dedicated PS.

@dangcaonguyen - the problem is it's nearly $9k 
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@tomwh - thanks but they're not offering the Maxxed Out although the site states they're working on something superior. 

@almarg - thanks not considered one of them...interesting option. 

@amg56- it's too expensive; as I mentioned my budget is $3800

@lewm - by PS i mean phono stage! I did think it could be misconstrued for power supply. 


I'm certainly considering the Manley Chinook with upgraded valves from Doug's Tubes in NY & the Herron VTPH-2A.
Additionally I'm very interested to see what K+K Audio have to offer...


infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 

@browndt - it is of consideration...


@jperry - thanks for the suggestion. After a bit of research I have included it in my shortlist!


@richopp - as I mentioned Upscale will not ship valve components outside the US.


It looks like I may be able to get a Rhea for $3300...or less...

infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@steveyork - what was your previous equipment?

@lewm - thanks for the info... I'd like to hear the Steelhead.

@atmasphere - so why do top phono stage designers use RCA inputs?
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@lewm - thank you, appreciate your explanation. 

@almarg - & thanks also, informative. 

Keith told me -

 "A good fully shielded RCA to RCA interconnect from the turntable can give great sound with no hum and noise. It is the quality of the electronics makes a huge difference in the sound."

@rsf507 - funny you should mention that as a dealer offered me a used one!




infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@jmolsberg - thanks

@sfgiantsmoya - thanks, it's now on my shortlist!
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@o_holter  - thanks. I've decided against the Rhea now...

@steveyork - yeah I saw that, thanks. I'm still deciding what to choose...

@mds  -  I've never heard of him... do you have a link to his site?
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
Sorry if I still enjoy my work.


LOL!!
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 

@rauliruegas - I'm now looking to sell my system & replace with valve.


 The current system replacement contenders are Herron & Atma-sphere.

So the Herron VTSP-360, VTPH-2A & M2 or Atma-Shpere M60 & MP-3 (with phono stage)

infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
I did a head to head comparison with the Herron, the aesthetics rhea signature and a Zesto and the Herron was favoured by all three present.


Interesting...what was the rest of the system & cables? What differences did you hear?
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
If I go all out Herron system, as I mentioned, it would mean selling all my balanced cables. 
Can any of you suggest great single ended cables up to about  $700?

I'm looking at AntiCables...

Thanks 
Rich
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
So which valves would be a suitable & significant upgrade from the stock ones in the Herron?
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 

@lewm  @atmasphere - thank you both for informing me. I didn’t think of matching. I still have much to learn with valves!


What do you guys think of the Allnic H1201? The reviews appear favourable...

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