Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2
Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2. I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!
The next phase of my system now needs attention: the phono stage. Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers).
I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT). I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.
I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT. I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range.
Thanks.
Yes, I have an audiophile friend who has had the Wave Kinetics Deluxe Reference 5.1 phono stage for years, and he enjoys it; he says it’s much quieter than an Allnic phono stage, but that he still prefers the newer SS phono stages. . . Thanks. I'll DM you this weekend, although Mr Slagle didn't sound too excited about doing anything with the Steelhead, as I'd contacted him 4-6 months ago about an EM/IA LR phono corrector. . . |
Dear @drbond : Obviously you can ask but take in count that the Manley design came from 2001 with no seriously changes where you can say: " nigth and day differences for the better ".
"" seem that most people are preferring the SS phono stages these days. . .""
and for very good reasons. I already told you that the worst place to put tubes is in a phono stage unit. Line stages or amps are different.
R.
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Thanks for sharing your musical preferences. That allows me to better understand your musical perspective. I understand that you want a system that reproduces every nuance, as if you are in the orchestra with the musicians, along with the microphones, and the Lyra Atlas definitely makes me feel that way, and I understand why you have such an affinity for that cartridge. On the other hand, the Koetsu does make you feel like you are further back in the audience seating, where details are lost, but some people think the sounds combine more musically the further back you are from the orchestra / musicians. Your perception is that this effect of the Koetsu is s a deficiency, and technically, I suppose you are correct. As previously mentioned, it does seem that most experienced audiophiles do prefer a SS phono stage, and I am looking in that direction. While I haven't researched all the recommendations yet, I would say that I'm preliminarily leaning towards the CH Precision P1 with X1 power supply. Thanks. |
