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Which sub $1k phono stage to go?

All,
Right now I am in the market of a sub $1k phonoe stage, and I need some advice. My setup is VPI MK IV, Rega RB300, and Benz Micro Glider. The rest of the system is YBA integre Delta DT and Atlantis Seolane, harmonic teck wires all through. I am using Musical Fidelity X-LP (the older can model), and I feel it is the bottle neck in the whole system. It lacks the resolution and details, and bass is not satisfying either. While I can't audit all the phono preamps out there in the market, so I am wondering if you can point me to the right direction on what phono stage I should audit, and also if there is anything I need to do to improve the rest of the system. Thanks a lot for your time.

Steve
wr_aspire
c123666
871 posts
 
Please post your findings on the ASL phono preamp after you've had time to play with it once it is broken in.
edavis's avatar
edavis
20 posts
 
If it is the high-output version, the Graham Slee ERV Gold MkV is hard to beat. I'm using it, and it is nothing short of breathtaking. It also was just ranked Class A by Stereophile. If its low-output, move up to the Graham Slee Elevator EXP. I'm using the combination with a Shelter 501 MkII, and the sound is incredible.
dshoaf
18 posts
 
This may not be for you, but I've built one of the Nelson Pass/PassDIY Pearl phono stages. You can find techincal details at www.passdiy.com.

For about $250 in parts and a case, I've got an excellent phono stage with low noise and fabulous dynamics. If, howeve, you're not comfortable with a soldering iron and less-than-detailed instructions, this may not be your best approach.

I'm *really* impressed, however, with the results.

Cheers,

David
raytheprinter's avatar
raytheprinter
1,234 posts
 
I have a MF XLPS can also and just bought a used Acoustech PH1P for 1000$ and could not be happier,what a difference albums I could not listen to before sound good now and ones that were good sound great now
nghiep's avatar
nghiep
79 posts
 
I have the ASL mini phono and it sounds smooth and natural music with Mullard 12AX7 tubes. The bass is not punchy and fast as SS phono stage but the mid and high have more details. I owned EAR 834P, Sonic Frontiers SP-1, and various SS broadcasting phono stages and the ASL has the most natural musical sound. For less than $200 used, the ASL is music to my ears. The suspension of the phono stage is critical, it can really improve the sound . Please provide any modification if you awared of.
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