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Phono stage for my system?

I am getting back into my vinyl collection and would like some recommendations from vinyl enthusiasts. My equipment includes the following. 

Ayre K-5xe pre-amp - no phono stage
Pro-ject Debut III turntable with stock Ortofon cartridge (OM 5e I believe)
Proceed HPA2 amp
Aerial Acoustics Model 8b speakers

I am currently using the phono stage in my Integra video processor/pre-amp the signal from which passes through the Ayre pre-amp. I find it lacking in detail and soundstage even when listening to some excellent DG and Decca classical recordings. I realize my cartridge may pose some limitations, so let me know if you view that as an area for potentially greater improvement. 

Given the level of my turntable and cartridge, my budget is up to $1,000 for the phono stage, with the understanding I may choose to upgrade the cartridge or turntable in the future.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

sameyers1
sameyers1 OP
127 posts
 
As to cabling, the Pro-ject turntable came from the factory with RCA interconnects attached. They are likely replaceable if I open the bottom of the housing. The Integra is connected to the Ayre pre-amp with decent Transparent balanced interconnects. 

I appreciate the phono stage and cartridge recommendations. As to the turntable, my research suggests I would have to spend in excess of $1,000 for a material upgrade, plus the cost of a well-matched new cartridge. So I want to try a phono stage at home to see the extent of the improvement before contemplating the new turntable. That makes sense to me. Why run a better turntable/cartridge through a phono stage of questionable quality?
sameyers1 OP
127 posts
 
How about a pre-owned Linn Euphorik?  The reasons I'm interested is that I've had a good experience with another Linn product, Linn makes excellent turntables, and the Euphorik can be bought for $1,000 or a bit more and it is adjustable for MM and MC cartridges of varying capacitance, etc., which is an advantage should I upgrade my cartridge at a later date. 
jacahn
28 posts
 
I am using a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II phono amp.  My set up includes a Thorens TD 166 MkII turntable, Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, Ayre KX5 Twenty pre-amp, Ayre VX5 Twenty amp, and B&W 805D3 speakers, and MJ Acoustics sub.  It sounds great.



uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Consider a Gold Note PH10 phono.
Adjustment for just about everything on the fly from the front panel.
Can connect 2 separate carts if required.
Has massive gain capability so down the road you could investigate really low output MC carts.
$1600 new, a few used around at right on 1k. I sold mine for $999 and only changed as I fancied playing with a tube phono stage.
Highly recommended!
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
JLTI is cheaper and absolutely amazing at its price for MM or MC
I have both Gold Note PH-10 and JLTI, the last one is best buy in my opinion! 

I do not recommend any tube phono stage, you can stuck with tube rolling forever and nice NOS tubes are extremely expensive (cost more than phono stage itself). It's just waste of time and money. 
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