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Jasmine vs Musical Surroundings Nova Phono Pre-Amp

I wanting to purchase a phono Pre-Amp for $1,000 or less. Right now I am considering either the Jasmine Phono Pre-Amp or the Musical Surroundings Nova Phono Pre-Amp. Has anyone done a comparison of these two phono stages and can provide a recommendation which would be the better phono stage?

Would anyone have recommendation on a phono stage for $1,000 or less (other than the two mentioned above)?

Please note I have Well Tempered Turntable and Denon 103R cartridge.

Thanks for you help.
cbman
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Dynavector P75 is another you might want to add to that list. But both those you mention in your post seem to be highly thought of, for sure.
linus_365
1 posts
 
I sold a modded Cambridge Audio 640p, and a Bellari vp129 and purchased the Jasmine MK2. Before selling the 640p I did compare the 640p to a threshold and some other obscure high end model and the modified 640p was noticeably better. Then I bought a Jasmine MK2 and it was so ridiculously better than all of them. It had the biggest soundstage well past the walls, excellent dynamics, and the truth of timber was jaw dropping! On top of that it looks great. I still can't believe that you can get this good a phono that looks hot for so little money. My unit had some minor cosmetic damage in shipping and they quickly shipped me a replacement part. Excellent service and they answered all of my many questions.
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
My PSAudio Phonostage has a hum that won't go away. I'm also interested in the Musical Surroundings, as I want the quietest phono preamp possible, and am looking at battery powered units. Budget is $1k. Does anyone have any experience with the musical Surroundings?
bobsdevices
99 posts
 
I had a PS Audio that I replaced with a KRELL KPE. At first I wouldn't even listen to the Jasmine because in my warped mind there was no way a $500 phono stage would compare. However, on first listen it blew away the KRELL and got even better with time. I now own 2 of the Jasmine phono stages. I have heard of problems with them being damaged in delivery but have no personal knowledge of that.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I agree with Linus and Bobsdevices. I bought the Jasmine
mkII for my second system and was stunned by its price
quality relationship. The manufacturer is very reliable and
kind. While I thought that the main unit was defective and
asked for a new one the fault was actualy in my tonearm
(left channel). I got the new unit within two weeks and needed
to pay only for the postage. So I don't believe that damaged units
(by delivery) will cause more problems than what is involved
by exchanging the units.
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