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.
- ...
- 323 posts total
@dover Well, I finally had some time to read that review (from the links that you posted previously) of various high end phono stages, written in Chinese. I think much must’ve been lost in translation, and after reading his review of the Manley Steelhead, I’m not sure how much credence I would give to this reviewer: he specifically says that the Manley is great for large orchestral pieces, and mediocre for piano and chamber music. My experience has been the exact opposite?! Listening to piano music through the Manley Steelhead, I have a hard time not believing that the piano is in the room with me, and a concert pianist, who has listened to my system, agrees! Chamber music is equally exceptional with the combination of the Manley Steelhead and the Dohmann Helix One Mk2. (Perhaps the difference can be attributed to the NOS tubes that I'm using, as opposed to the stock tubes included in the Steelhead, or perhaps to system synergies.) I found the reviewer’s conclusion by comparing the different phono stages to different types of idealized Chinese women quite difficult to relate to, being an American myself, but it was nonetheless intriguing. Nevertheless, thanks for sharing that review! |
@drbond : "strongly favor the FM223, but recognized that it didn’t have enough gain for many systems. ""
Well, those gentlemans ignore that FMA can give you the 223 with the gain you can need it.
R. |
- 323 posts total