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!
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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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 |
@rauliruegas what is "true fidelity"? Do you know? Do I know? No. (My wife tells me I should know after being married for 46 years!) It was Kondo-san himself that taught me things about analog and it's sound and it was he who showed me the light regarding SUT's. Is it accurate? I'm not looking for accuracy but for a sound that keeps me engaged and enjoying the music and brings the musicians into my space, or better yet me into their space. I can appreciate your view and others views but for me I've been at this for a loooooong time and know what I like. Enjoy your journey 😎 |
@sksos : " a sound that keeps me engaged and enjoying the music and brings the musicians into my space, or better yet me into their space. " How what I posted could goes against your statement or against true fidelity? or against accuracy that you mentioned??
About SUT I owned/own over 15 different units including Kondo and I listen Kondo electronics several times in my system. Certainly you can’t know what is true fidelity when your all tube phono stage is inherently just colored, yes is what you like and this is not under questioning.
Btw, I was not know that you are an audio dealer, it’s ok. No problem with.
R. |
Sorry @rauliruegas I usually place at the end of a post "Dealer disclaimer" especially when I talk about any equipment. I've been a member here since 2006 and as you can see I don't post much, up to 114 posts now. As for Kondo gear, initially it wowed me then I found it just too euphoric and "earthy" sounding. Yes I wanted a more accurate sound which I think you still can achive with some tubes. |
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