About to pull trigger on JA Michell


After 15 years of digital, I've decided to go back to analog after losing hope in the way CDs are being mastered. My current system is:

Speakers: Harbeth SHL5
Monoblocks: Manley 90W (6550C tubes)
DAC Pre: Monarchy M24 (6DJ8 tubes, no MM/MC, but lots of gain)
Cabling: AudioQuest, MIT, Audioox

I'm 99% decided on getting a JA Michell Tecnodec + TecnoArm. The price in the UK is attractive (both TT & arm under USD 2k new).

Now I understand that synergy between components will yield better results, so the cartridge and phono stage should match the Michell combo. My preference is for MM or High-output MC, hence the Denon carts (DL-110/160) come to mind.

My questions are:
1. Would either Denon DL-110 or 160 match the Michell combo?
2. Which phono stage would suit the Denon and/or Michell combo?
3. Since my system is 100% tube, would solid-state make more sense in the phono stage?
4. Is there another matching cartridge/phono stage combo recommendation? (e.g. Gram Amp, Ear, K&K, others)?

I'm lost after many weeks of research and your help is invaluable.

Thank you :)
redsea

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

What will be your choice of arm?
I use Incognito wired RB300 with Lyra Argo cartridge.
For medium output 1...2.5mV I would suggest Audio Research PH3 hybrid phonostage. I used to have it and now still miss it but had to downsize it to a full function preamp. It could be easily rewired for 220V by swapping the power transformer leads(instruction could be supplied in the manuals if exists)
My budget choices for Michell would include Benz Glider, Dynavector 10Xh