Phono Stage for a VPI Prime Scout

I'd say take a look at the Gold Note PH10 retails at $1700 but can get them new for around 1350. It's very versatile so no matter what cartridge you decide on now or down the road you'd be all set.

Seriously though you could look at a Musical Surroundings NOVA for $1200 (new), but if you can find a Manley Chinook for around $1500 its a whole different level as far as detail and air and space also beauty of tone with the Manley Labs :-)


Matt

Thanks everyone for the useful feedback. I went to hear a Prime Scout that had a Zephyr MK3 cartridge. They had it hooked up to a Sutherland phono stage. Sounded great but it has no respect for a budget whatsoever

What cartridge you are going to run seems to be more to the point,  MM, MI, MC? Output voltage and preferred input impedance matter a lot. As well, what speakers. I SAF wouldn't buy any phono preamp that didn't have an infrasonic filter if I had a ported or passive radiator speaker.  Woofer flap anyone?

Right now I'm looking at a Zephyr MK3 ES. The speakers have a port on the front and the bottom
@mattmiller Most of the records I have collected are from pretty good sources. There's one off of ebay that I regret. I'd love to try the Manley Chinook but so far they're all in the mid to upper $2ks so it will have to be an upgrade in the future. I'm going to look into the Nova as well as a few others before committing.