After hearing the Zesto Andros PS 1 I would totally endorse that phono stage...totally. It's considered good etiquette on this forum to declare yourself as a dealer for the product that you are schilling. |
Br3069
It's considered good etiquette on this forum to declare yourself as a dealer for the product that you are schilling.
How in the world did you discover that I am a dealer? Was it my user name? |
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Manley Steelhead. My last. |
I can neither afford nor am I willing to spend more that $1000 on a phono amp. I had an early Croft Micro that I upgraded myself, doubling up the psu, upgrading the resitors and swapping out the stock tubes for Telefunkens and the output driver to a CV5042. It was really good. I currently have a newer Micro 25. I've rolled in GE JG 5751 in the phono section and a Telefunken driver. I don't think my front end 401/Decca Super Gold deserves spending anymore on the preamp. So this is going to stay! |
Noro,
I thought the same thing, when I went from a PS Audio GCPH to a Simaudio LP5.3 with PS5.3 external power supply. retail was about $3000 and I got used for about $1250. but, when I got the opportunity to pick up my Manley Steelhead for a steal, and with its 3 phono and one line input and a multitude of gain and loading options, I had to try it out. And I am more than glad I did. The Simaudio was excellent, but the Steelhead is just another level entirely, and since I run multiple tables and arms, it really has the functions I need. I couldnt afford it either at its retail price, but keep looking long enough and deals do come up. You just have to snatch them when you can. |
Hagerman Trumpet.
Nice to see he is making them again, plus the new reference. |
Manitunc, I hear you. I guess I would have to hear it to be swayed to step up to the plate. I can buy a lot of records for that upgrade! |
I have no plans to replace a Viva Fono phonostage. |
Going back over the last 5 years, I went from a NAD 3020 to a Cullen Modified GCPH to a KRELL KPE to a Jasmine 2.0 MKII and just recently to a Liberty B2B. Each move was a significant upgrade. I only use the MM section and use a step up transfomer. FULL DISCLOSURE - I manufacture step up transformes. |
I used a Steelhead for a long while, and agree with Lacee that it sounds better from the fixed outputs. Am presently using the Allnic H3000 with very musical results. For years, during the late 80's and into the 90's, I hung on to my ARC SP-10 mkii, which had a very sweet phono section. But it couldn't really accommodate low output moving coil cartridges well and once I changed to a horn-based speaker system (from Crosby Quads), the noise floor forced me to move to a more modern preamp.
While separate line and phono stages gives you more flexibility, you do have to factor in the cost of that additional piece of interconnect, which can, when taken into account, give you a greater budget for complete preamp that includes a phono stage. |
After many years I have finished with an ARC Phono 6 , I like the way you can change the loading from the remote control and at my age ( 58 ) I can't justify spending more as my hearing ain't what it used to be .
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Most recent upgrade is the ARC Ref Phono 2SE. |
Interesting how few Audio Research entries on this string. I purchased a RHEA signature demo, and initially wanted to return it due to noise. After replacing the tube set from Jim Mcshane, tube noise is noticeable only within a few inches from my electrostatic speakers and totally inaudible at listening position. . The AR Phono 2 SE is silent. I'm wondering if it is 6000 dollars better? |
I've settled on ARC phono stage built into my sp16 pre-amp.
It's pretty solid top to bottom. Also reasonably quiet for a tube phono device, as long as you use a very low noise tube in tube slot 1 of 3 in the phono section. Anything less than a top performing tube there can result in significant noise levels. I listen mostly to digital, so I have very low tolerance for any background noise that I can hear, even with ears close up to tweets when nothing playing. |
Audio Icon PS3.
An excellent tubed phono pre.
Doesn't seem to get much attention outside of the UK for some reason. |
Am pretty happy with my Pro-ject Tube Box SE II, but then I haven't tried many others. |
Graham Slee Reflex M phono preamp with Graham Slee Elevator, VPI Super Scoutmaster Reference rimdrive, 10.5i tonearm, Lyra Titan-i cartridge, Classic platter. Extremely happy with this combo. |
After going throguh a bunch including a project tube box and a Wright 200WPC, Bottlehead Seduction I went with a Hagerman Cornet II. amazing |
Krell KPE reference -> Ear 834P -> Aesthetix Rhea -> Manlely Chinook -> Manley Steelhead, where I think I'll "stop and smell the roses" for awhile.
Along the way I also have Liberty B2B (which is a fantastic solid state phono stage!) and a Bellari 130 for fun with MM carts. |
I have added a Pass XP-25 to my TW Acustik phono stage. This now gives me great flexibility depending on cartridge and mood. I have no great desire to listen to anything else.
Best of both worlds with ss and tube.
Cheers |
I now have a Herron VTPH-1 MC Special. I'm not necessarily finished but I'm not sure how much I can improve realistically.... so finished for now! |
I have added the Allnic H5000 DHT phono stage to keep company with my Pass XP-25. I am still waiting for delivery (2 weeks away). |
I recently moved on from an Aesthetix Rhea to an ARC Phono REF 2SE. The Rhea did have major tube rush which is a common problem but the REF 2 is dead quiet and much more dynamic and detailed. Definitely a big step up, and worth the price. |
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TRON Seven Reference built specially for my Decca C4E. Just brilliant! Heres my review of it.
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?92665-Seven-Heaven-TRON-style |
zyx phono stage. A great match for the UNIverse cartridge |
The Graham Slee is super and so is the Tron. Have heard them both. Used to be a dealer for Graham Slee....what a value.....great suggestions. |
2-19-10: Dan_ed
My 4 chassis Doshi Alaap is not going anywhere!
My (more common) 2 chassis Doshi Alaap is also here to stay!
No posts from Dan in some time, I hope he's well.
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