@sksos , For what it is worth, I think you are much better of with @drbond 's choice The Dohmann Helix 1 or 2 with a Schroder, Reed or Kuzma arm. The motor, plater and tonearm are rigidly connected and placed on arguably the best isolation platform in existence. I am probably going to get one. I am waiting for them to develop the vacuum clamping. I will put a Schoder LT on it.
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.
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@lewm correct I'm contemplating the CS Port C3EQM phono. I have a Stabi R with the SAFIR arm and a MSL cartridge and couldn't be happier. |
@drbond for a man that says he knows little about turntables - I commend your choice in the Dohmann Helix. I've heard three vinyl front ends that have stuck with me. One had the FM Acoustics phono stage in a live v recorded demo and nothing i've heard comes close to reproducing with such accuracy. The Constellation was wonderful too the kind of sound one can live with forever - powerful and fast but musical too. Finally one by a British Designer Graham Tricker called Tron - just very very musical. I've sadly never heard the Mares Connoisseur nor the Boulder. I use a Vendetta (voiced like Connoisseur) and a Whest. I envy your task in choosing - but like @rauliruegas - if it were my money? FM Acoustics - versatile and just plain brilliant.
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Yes, I only looked at the MC cartridge input, since I didn't want to fiddle with a SUT presently, although that could change in the future. I couldn't be happier with the CH Precision P1 / X1. I'm sure that the CS Port phono stage is excellent as well, though. I personally only have extensive relevant experience with the CH Precision P1/X1 and the Manley Steelhead, both of which are very good, so I can't comment on the qualities of the CS Port. Enjoy! |
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