Phono's $2100 to $2600
PL HP user here. I'm in the tube camp. I've tried the Zesto,Herron and Allnic. All nice pieces. I would include the Manley Chinook in there, since they seem to appear in the used section more often than anything else. Good prices too, close to half of MSRP. Wallet limitations always influence my purchases, so I kept my current tubed Fosgate, which I purchased new 7 years ago? They show up now and then for cheap. A wee bit noisier than the your choices, but not a deal breaker. They are all more similar,than different to my ears. I don't have hyper "audiophile" tastes, so I'm sure someone will respond with the "X" is inferior to ""Y" because... Tube phonostages just seem to make a more convincing presentation than solid state. Ever notice reviews of really good SS units will include something like..."it sounds like a tube unit?" |
pgastone- Sorry, you're on your own,as far as dissecting the differences between units. My aging ears, along with tinnitus disqualify me to give any useful help. Very subtle, to my ears if any. As mentioned, I thought they all were nice. When I did a side by side comparison with my existing unit, I forced the S.O. the listen, she did hear differences, but she too said they were subtle. System/room differences also factor in one's own opinion? I got more a "you're kidding right? look more than anything! She said this one sounds a little more this.. but really, it's so damn subjective, I'm useless after giving you my $0.01 cent. If I were to get something right now, I would get a Manley Chinook and call it a day. They seem to be the best value on the used market. I'd look for a used PL Dialogue Pre to go with your amp as well. You will have a smokin system. You then obsess about the rest of the system. |
pgastone- I misread your original post. I see you use a PL into the Pass amps. I initially read it as you had a PL amp. Oops. Did you do the tube rolling/power cord stuff? Comparing what you get for your money, the PL raises the bar. An American made unit with identical build quality is going to cost a bit more? I wouldn't be worried about the Southerland not delivering the goods. They always get good reviews. You just won't hear the tube "orgainc" vibe, which only a tube unit offers. I would think you can expect very quiet, precise performance. Maybe it may have some the tube virtues that really nice SS units offer? |
pgastone- I know that feeling of "what to buy?" Glad i'm done with the madness, and just buy records. Been on the wagon few a couple of years now. Just buy consumables-phono cart and tubes. I tried the Allnic, it's a very nice piece. The latest model is revised, so you can find the previous model at decent prices. If you can find one of these-grab it https://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/nvo2/1.html This was a flavor of the month, a few years ago. |
As barlobrain as mentioned, you can find the earlier model Zesto Andros, every now and then in the listings. I liked what I heard, when I had one, in my system. Just wasn't groundbreaking, compared to my current unit. barlobrain also mentions the counteroffer. If you're buying a used piece, NOT making a counter is like leaving money on the table. I never pay listed price. If a seller balks, move on. You would be surprised.Now and then, after just hearing crickets for awhile, they may contact YOU, to "make a compromise" Used is used. It's not worth whatever a buyer is asking, whatever they think. Just to get it out there, anyone with the NVO SPA II for $2K shipped, I'm ready to hit the buy now button. Yeah, ridiculous offer, but just in case.....? |
"Tablejockey- you are using a Fosgate right
?" pgastone-affirmative. They pop up now and then for cheap.This thread peaked my interest when I was shopping. I purchased mine when the V2 was introduced a year of so, later.https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fosgate-signature-phono-preamp |
pgastone- I don’t think you will experience buyers remorse with the Sutherland.Super quiet and precise performance, especially high volume when desired. If you do find a listing for the Foz, they are typically version1. I have the V2, which I rarely see listed? Purportedly a quieter design(very quiet, for an all tube design) Not as quiet as the any of the current, popular models though. Side note- I used this SS unit before going tube-https://www.stereophile.com/content/heed-audio-quasar-phono-preamplifierThis was several years ago, when they were $700! Very nice. Never did a side by side comparisons with other SS units like I did with the Foz, but I’m thinking it will duke it out with costlier pieces.Discrete build with transisitors, no op amps, separate power supply.Cool SS phonostage, at the price point. |
Sutherland N1-WOW! It must be serious piece. It better be, with a $8K MSRP! It's SS, so it will be lacking the "organic" tube vibe, but not in a bad way? What's the deal with the volume control being the Achilles heel on the PL?This is a first read on such a concern? I've heard them a zillion times. The chip volume control is mentioned on the PL website. If Sutherland uses one, I would imagine it's a "premium" version, not the "throw away cheapie" as mentioned? Again, an $8K unit, and a cheap volume control? I hope not! |
