Phone stage for VPI Scout 1.1

Can anyone recommend a phono stage in the $300- approx. $1000 (new or used) range for my newly purchased Scout. I know there are tons out there however, any that stand out in this range or match well with VPI?

samzx1212-07-2015 9:21pm

19 responses Add your response

samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-07-2015 at 09:22pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete In addition my cartridge is a MM Ortofon 2M Black.
paraneer Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 818 posts 12-08-2015 at 12:08pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Its actually more important to match the phono stage to the cartridge you are using, not the TT. So in this case an Ortofon 2M Black. Being a MM cartridge, you want to find a phono stage that has as selectable capacitance as low as possible to at least 100pf. Most fixed stages are at around 200pf. Some standouts within your budget that I can think of would be... Creek OBH-15MKII Lehman Black Cube Moon 110LP Musical Surroundings Phonomena II The above would be a good place to start.
yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,454 posts 12-08-2015 at 12:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete There is a nice Croft listed here for $729 and a Suthreland PH-3 for $630. I don't think you would go wrong with either of these!
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-08-2015 at 06:11pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the recommendations. I have never heard of Croft.
Post removed Dec 08, 2015
yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,454 posts 12-08-2015 at 08:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-10-2015 at 02:40pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Also saw another Sutherland (non battery) phono stage which looks like a step up from the PH-3.
yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,454 posts 12-10-2015 at 09:00pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I just took a look at it and it has all the features you are looking for. The asking price is $950. You should make an offer on it!
wntrmute2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 188 posts 12-11-2015 at 02:12pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A friend of mine uses the IPhono stage with stellar results in combination with his Scout/Zephyr. Well worth the $$. Smack in the middle of your price range. http://http//ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-iphono/ http://http//www.musicdirect.com/p-161016-ifi-micro-iphono-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-11-2015 at 03:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Sutherland seems to be a good one and receives nice reviews. The Insight is $1500 new I think however, $950 seems like a good deal. Do you have experience with Sutherland Yogiboy? What is the sonic signature? I'm more of a tube guy so I don't like the cooler side or front row but also don't like too warm or back row.
yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,454 posts 12-11-2015 at 07:43pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I never owned it,but it always gets great reviews. I like tubes ,that’s why I originally recommended the Croft! BTW,I use a Quicksilver phono preamp. It’s all a roll of the dice if something will work with your gear.
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-12-2015 at 08:17pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete True yes it is a roll of the dice unfortunately. I am inquiring about the Sutherland so we'll see. So many choices lol.
infection Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 805 posts 12-12-2015 at 10:52pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You should try the Whest PS.30R... I use an upgraded PS.30RDT which is stunning.
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-13-2015 at 01:39am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Infection I can't afford a $4k phono stage :(
darkstar1 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 180 posts 12-13-2015 at 06:00pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I had access to a battery operated Sutherland that cost 3k new. I compared it directly to a Musical Surroundings Phonomena I ($1200) in same system. Based on what you like you would like the Sutherland. It had more of what people would consider a typical tube sound. Warmth, smooth, not as upfront and not as tight bass. The phenomena was much more upfront with tighter bass. The Sutherland was a bit better at separating voices from the mix a tab bit quieter. Overall different presentations. That being said the Sutherland edged out the phenomena but considering the price difference the phenomena did very well and was not blown out of the water. But again a Sutherland is more of the sound you may be going for.
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-14-2015 at 02:31am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Darkstar thank you very much for the advice. I think I will go for the Sutherland plus they review very well. I can always sell it for pretty much what I paid it I'm sure if I'm not satisfied.
butch1970 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 11 posts 12-14-2015 at 03:19am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Eastern Electric Minimax might be a good one to check out if you're into tubes. Is switchable for MM, MC high and MC low.
lp2cd Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 101 posts 12-14-2015 at 05:59am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The new Musical Fidelity MX-VINL has caught my eye and looks very much like a winner @ $999. I've been highly satisfied with its predecessor, the M1-ViNL, along with a VPI Scout Signature with SDS speed control and Shure M97xE with a JICO SAS stylus. Certainly tough to beat at the price.
samzx12 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,216 posts 12-14-2015 at 02:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Butch thanks for the recommendation. If my offer on a SE PH-3D doesn't get accepted I will look closer at the Minimax. I do NOT like this new Audiogon buying and selling system. Before I could get a response in a reasonable amount of time and now it can take 2 freaking days. Grrrrr :(

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