2. analog
  3. 1433211997

Which phono preamps among these three?

1. Manley Chinook Tube phono stage
2. Whest PS.30R
3. Aesthetix Rhea

I picked these three because they are currently available for sale in audiogon, and all three have very good reviews. All three are a bit over my budget at the moment, but I expect to get enough fund in the short future.

I mostly listen to Jazz (50s-60s) and classicals, occasionally pops and rocks. Rhea is more expensive than the other two, but Rhea supports three inputs while the other supports only one input, switchable to MM or MC. The other two cost about the same as used Rhea.

If you are to pick one, which one? For what reason? Is one definitely better than the others? Or, they are pretty much in the same league with different characteristics?
ihcho

Showing 2 responses by analogluvr

analogluvr
859 posts
 
I'm emphatically withbpoletti. Go for the Herron. I heard a rhea signature with a premium tube set against the Herron and it was no contest. I few people have mentioned muddy and that echoes what I heard. The Herron was open and musical and there is a good reason why they do not come up on the used market.
The Herron will get you off the merry go round. If I had to choose from the 3 you mentioned I would go for the Chinook.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
All u have to do is change tubes from the 12ax7 to the 12at7 to lower the gain. Or vice versa to increase. I run a 103r no problem.
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