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Which phono preamps among these three?

1. Manley Chinook Tube phono stage
2. Whest PS.30R
3. Aesthetix Rhea

I picked these three because they are currently available for sale in audiogon, and all three have very good reviews. All three are a bit over my budget at the moment, but I expect to get enough fund in the short future.

I mostly listen to Jazz (50s-60s) and classicals, occasionally pops and rocks. Rhea is more expensive than the other two, but Rhea supports three inputs while the other supports only one input, switchable to MM or MC. The other two cost about the same as used Rhea.

If you are to pick one, which one? For what reason? Is one definitely better than the others? Or, they are pretty much in the same league with different characteristics?
128x128ihcho
jperry
2,432 posts
 
Further to the comments from Dougdeacon regarding the Rhea, I want to note that I thought the Rhea was much improved by using NOS tubes. I purchased my tubes from Andy at Vintage Tube Services.

I saw that the Rhea currently listed has NOS tubes from Andy, so that is a plus.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Is selling your line stage, and going with a full function preamp an option?
tablejockey
3,793 posts
 
I see someone went off topic and gave you another suggestion, so I won't feel guilty.Referencing the Manley price point, if you see one listed-Fosgate v.2. Get one for a deal(under 2k)and do an extravagant NOS tube splurge if you don't feel the stock setup isn't enough.
I'm enjoying mine and won't part with it!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,487 posts
 
There is an Allnic 1201 listed right now for $2200. I listened to the Liberty B2B at T.H.E. Show last weekend, and it sounds great and is really well built.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho OP
609 posts
 
Thanks for all tips.
I don't mind to know more about other great phono stages at similar price points. The problem is, harder to decide with more to choose from.
I one time listened to Plinius M16P preamp with phono. That phono was exceptionally good. Much better than the phono card that came with BAT VK30. So, I would not mind going for a full function preamp with phono if the phono section is at least as good as Plinius M16P.
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