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Next Phonostage

I'm contemplating a new Phonostage to replace my Rowland Cadence. One of the driving factors is wanting multiple inputs for multiple tonearms.

My system is currently: TW-Acustic Raven AC-1/TW10.5 tonearm/Dynavector XV-1s cart with Rowland Synergy IIi preamp, Rowland 302 power amp and Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Diamond loudspeakers.

My listening tastes are everything except rap/hip-hop. Probably 50% rock/pop, 40% Jazz and 10% Classical.

My audio characteristics preferences I value include really black backgrounds, air around images, extension and musicality. Dynamics are also a plus.

My contenders are currently:

Audio Research Ref 2 SE Phono - rave reviews, most say this gives you best attributes of solid state and tube sound combined, might be a natural transition into tubes for me

Thoress Phono Enhancer - also known as TW Acustic Phonostage; might mate well with my analog front end, flexibility in dialing in bass, mids, highs, customizable sound

Manley Steelhead - heard this in a friend's system, very nice sound, very flexible, did hear a it of tube noise

Can anyone who owns one of these phonostages or has listening experience with them give me some input and advice on what would work best with my system?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations from the audiogon community.
philb7777

Showing 6 responses by philb7777

philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks guys, you are reading my mind. Not sure how I can audition an ARC Ref 2 Phono SE, but I have access to a friends Steelhead. And you are correct, DFW TX is not far from Tulsa for the Allnic.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for the info Steve. I like the Steelhead flexibility. Does the Chinook have multiple inputs?

I plan on eventually upgrading my preamp from a Rowland Synergy IIi to a Rowland Corus and eventually 302 amp to a Rowland 625 or the 725 monos. I wish Rowland made a stand alone phono stage like they did with the Cadence. Maybe someday, but I have a growing interest for some tubes in the analog chain, but the maintenance and my desire for black backgrounds like solid state make me a bit hesitant.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for responses. Multiple inputs are important as I plan on eventually having more than one tonearm. Loading is too as I want to begin experimenting with multiple carts over the years.

The Thoress is interesting. It's enhancer qualities to adjust bass, mid, treble are interesting and unique.

The Tron Seven Phono gets rave reviews but its single loading in flexibility is something that I'm shying away from.

Thanks for the offer, I live in Tulsa, OK. If I'm ever heading to CO, I may contact you Jarraa.

So far no responses on the Audio Research Ref 2 Phono SE. Interested about this one too, due to its flexibility, low noise floor and combo of best attributes of tubes and SS. Of course, that's in the reviews, so I want to see what owners think of course.

Oklahoma is barren of any high end dealers, especially for two channel. Audiogon and its members are invaluable for input such as this.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Yeah, the Steelhead I heard had quite a bit of background hiss compared to other sources in the system. May have been bad tubes. It's one f the inherent problems listening to components in other people's systems - you can only assess so much......
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Lotus,

What were your impressions of the Allnic H3000 compared to the ARC Ref 2 Phono? What is your tonearm and cart on the TW Raven? How is the noisefloor of the H3000 in your set up?

Thanks in advance for any additional info.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for all the input guys. I have a Steelhead to listen to this weekend. Going to head to DFW soon to listen to the Allnic. Unfortunately no dealers in the Southwest have an ARC Ref Phono 2 SE on their floor. Might have to travel to Denver for this. May approach Highwater Sound to see if a loaner Thoress is a possibility. It's just a long way to ship. I sure hope Jeff and HW Sound are safe and dry - that water surge may have been close to them with Hurricane Sandy.
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