I have had a count on the recommendations, and I make it approximately 40 suggested models to consider. I am assuming in ascending new purchase price value these range from $ 750ish to $3000++.
That is a large range to attempt to get a audition, and even harder if sitting it out for a used model. As used models, the suggestions, I would assume will as a purchase range from $ 500 to $2000++.
At these values a audition will be wise before a purchase.
A punt on a lower value in my view would be worthwhile, if you got a offer accepted that would reflect a easy resale. It would only seem like a wise choice if it surpassed your present model in performance.
As a individual who is on a search for a keeper Phonostage, and as part of their search, has had a opportunity to hear a good range of Commercial and DIY Phonostages played through one High Value System, throughout a day, at a event referred to as a,
'Phonostage Bake Off '.
I can assure you that as the Phonostages rise in ascending values, there comes a point where there is a very obvious gap between performances.
In my listening experiences, most commercial phonostages in the £500 - £1500 purchase values have a similar sound with a emphasis on a differing frequency in a recording, i.e, Highs, Mids, Lows.
This is seen in comparing SS, and Valve, or dare I say it Valve Hybrid at these prices.
There are obvious differences between SS and Valve.
The Pro's and Con's of each design are laid out and the strengths and weakness's are there to be identified with ease.
I assume this is because each format share similar Topology's and circuit designs.
As the models that enter the auditions, become more individual in their designs and increase in value, the Phonostages heard earlier start to seem very weak contenders.
The Phonostages being heard in both formats start to really grab individuals attentions, to a point of needing to outwardly express support for the device in use. This is the point where a individuals personal preference is being stimulated, once this is met, the value of being a attendee is met as well.
I have heard a Tom Evans at a event, in the system I heard it played through, IMO it is a Phonostage that sits comfortably in its price range but does not get close to the higher value performers.
I heard a Modwright SE 9.0, played through the same system, IMO I would have much enjoyed taking this home to trial in my system.
It was a unique performer and the attendees were very much in praise of it. It was deserved of its place in the line up, being very memorable to this day.
I own a Clones Audio PA1 Phonostage, that was trialed at a event, again it sits comfortably in the up to £2000 value, so punches above its weight,
in relation to purchase value.
This view was supported by the comments made about it, following its audition.
I hope to have my present in use DIGNA at a event in the near future, I know it can be trialed with more expensive/individual designs.
It is a curiosity to see how far up the scale it can measure.
Another thing that is of interest to a MC user, connecting a variety of SUT's to a MM Input can have a serious effect on a performance.
It is worth taking the time to trial different devices.
I think for Inna, it would be prudent to dealer trial, a few models from the low purchase price, mid price and top price. This will allow you to assess where your personal preference to SQ is found and where your selection of a model can be shortlisted from 40 recommendations.
