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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. 

drbond
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cleeds
5,717 posts
 

mijostyn

Your opinion is the knee jerk reaction of a traditionalist. Your assumptions are patently false. You are entitled to stay where you are. There are people who prefer being dinosaurs and that is fine ...

Why so angry? Why are you so triggered by those whose opinions differ from yours? Why do you feel others need your permission to disagree?

drbond OP
396 posts
 

Unfortunately, the more I read about HPF, the less inclined I am to use them: everything that I’ve read so far indicates that their use does impact SQ.

Additionally, here’s a paragraph about higher order HPF influencing signal moreso than lower order HPF (but it is just the internet, which could be wrong):

Although there is no limit to the order of a filter that can be formed, as the order of the filter increases so to does its size. Also, its accuracy declines, that is the difference between the actual stop band response and the theoretical stop band response also increases.

Learning about subwoofers is an exercise! I’m not sure whether I should proceed in this direction, given the components in my system. . . although, it would be interesting to compare any differences in SQ with a properly installed digital HPF with subwoofer, which replaces my pre-amplifier / amp / ESL system currently. But that might be a project for another time. . .

rsf507
2,240 posts
 

@rsf507 talking about $60,000 Phono stages is not that relevant to most people either

@mijostyn agree but it's a more interesting read than all this talk about sub integration. At least start a separate thread on subs. That was my point.

lewm
12,566 posts
 

There are pros and cons to any decision. Yes, take your time to find your own set of goals and the best methods for achieving them. It’s more fun that way, besides.

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