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What phono stage candidates should I consider?

I will be taking delivery of a new linestage, the Emotive Audio Epifania (tube-based), which will be replacing a Mark Levinson Ref. No. 32 that has a built-in phono stage. I am therefore in the market for a new phono stage. My cartridge is a Lyra Titan, which is mounted on a Basis Vector arm/Basis Debut (vacuum) table combination.

I can, realistically, only review a small number of candidate linestages in my own system, so I need to determine which stages to consider. If I find one that I like, I will go with it and I do not plan on driving myself crazy chasing after the "best."

Some of the relevant details about the Titan are as follows: It is rated at .5mV output and has an internal impedance of 5.5 ohms. Lyra specifies loading of 10 ohms to 47k ohm (they recommend the higher end of the range, i.e, unloaded). If mated to a step up transformer, they recommend 4-6 ohms, not exceeding 10 ohms.

One of the candidates I am looking at is the Artemis PL-1 phono stage. It is a tube-base unit that utilizes a transformer to step up the voltage. I don't know which model of transformer they use, but the brand is a Sowter (my guess is the 1:20 model specified for cartridges with a 3-15 internal impedance).

I can also get in for audition a Ray Samuels Emmeline. I will also be borrowing a friend's phono stage that is made locally, in the Washington D.C. area, by Deja Vu Audio (tube based/Jensen transformer or a more expensive model with Audionote trannies).

I am looking for any comments as to which candidates to consider and any helpful detail of experience mating the Titan with a good phono stage. I do hope to keep cost under $8,000 or so, if that is possible.

Thanks.
larryi

Showing 4 responses by larryi

larryi OP
3,736 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your help. I've been going back and forth on the step up transformer issue. One of the best phono stages I heard had a step up transformer, but it is a custom-built unit designed specifically for a very low output Allaerte cartridge and utilized an incredibly expensive Audionote transformer. I don't know if that kind of performance can be obtained, except by chance, when a transformer is involved.

I have heard some of the models mentioned here, such as the Sutherland, the top of the line Boulder and the Klyne, but not in my own system (I could probably borrow the Boulder, but, that is a moot issue since I can't afford it).

I was a bit surprised to find out that the nearest dealer to me (Washington D.C. area) that carries the Pass XONO is in NYC.

Raul mentioned the FM Acoustic. I noticed that their former top-of-the-line phono stage is being sold here on Audiogon, but there is no way for me to hear that model. Still, it is a bit tempting.

This is not so easy a task.
larryi OP
3,736 posts
 
More great ideas thanks! I did not know that Viva makes a phono stage. I've heard their latest amps, which I think sound pretty good, which is an encouraging sign. I think I have a channel to get in the Viva.

The Klyne is also an interesting recommendation. I heard it many years ago in a very nice sounding system. I was also impressed with the impeccable build quality of the unit.
larryi OP
3,736 posts
 
Mr. Terry,

Do you have any idea how much the Tron Seven will be sold for? It is not yet described on any website.
larryi OP
3,736 posts
 
I wonder if the difference in experience noted above for the Tron is an issue of compatibility. Anyone care to say what cartridge they were using for their auditions?
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