Mike, I assume Skos is referring to and thinking of buying the CS Port phono stage, not the TT. But I could be wrong.
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! |
Dear @sksos : M.Lavigne made a suddenly ( at least for me that I followed him by years. ) turn around to tubes and SUT both no matters what goes against true fidelity ( best SUT is not SUT at all. ) to reproduce adding and losting the less to what the cartridge signal pick-up from the LP groove modulations. Tubes are the worst alternative for a phono stage. Only an opinion and I listen in my system to tubes for at least 10 years. Could be important that you consider seriously to the SimAudio Moon 810LP fully diferential and dual mono SS phono stage that believe me not only can competes with any tube unit but outperform it easily and can competes bis a bis against any other SS top phono stage as CH or Boulder or Dartzeel or almost any one.
Here a TAS review where was surrounded by top speaker/electronics/analog:
Simaudio Moon 810LP Phono Preamplifier - The Absolute Sound
Think on it about. Could be very appreciated by your Bricasti amplifier and a MUSIC enjoyment for you as never before.
R.
810LP Phono Preamp | Best Turntable Preamplifier | MOON - Simaudio |
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