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Phono Stage Advice

Looking to add a phono stage to my recently upgraded system.

A few months ago I went the tube route by adding an Audio Research Ref 160S amplifier and a Ref 6SE line stage preamplifier.  In addition I got back into vinyl with a Pro-ject 6 Perspex SB.  I have decided to stay in the vinyl game but believe I need to add a dedicated phono stage to improve my phono sound.  Currently, I have my phono connected into my HT MX160 McIntosh preamp and then I put the ref 6se preamp into pass thru mode. My belief is that I can get much better sound if I directly connect my phono into the ref 6SE (bypassing McIntosh MX160) but to do that I need a phono stage OR am I overthinking this and will not get a much better sound and stick with current set up.  I am impressed with the tube sound but open to SS if that makes better sense.

Additional Components involved:

Wilson Audio Alexia speakers, transparent cabling, sumiko cartridge, Lumin T2 connected directly into Audio Research preamp.  Predominantly listen to 50/60's Jazz, Classical and some rock.

I am also open to upgrading my TT if you think that should be part of my solution.

I would like to stay under $10K for the phono line stage and separately under $10K for a phono upgrade including cartridge.

Look forward to the creative solutions and thanks in advance for your thoughts and input.

Woots

 

 

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Showing 1 response by williewonka

williewonka
3,067 posts
 

@woots - here’s my choice

For the phono stage

  • Simmaudio Moon 610 LP
  • one of the quietest, most configurable and detailed phono stages out there
  • the 810 LP is even better

For the turntable - MUSIC HALL MMF11.3 TURNTABLE

  • music hall’s unique quadruple-plinth design with improved TPE vibration isolation
  • new freestanding and completely isolated motor assembly
  • dual motor and flywheel assembly is located on the center left side of the turntable eliminating all motor and belt vibration from the cartridge
  • one-piece 9cc Evolution carbon fiber tonearm
  • tonearm uses hardened Swiss ABEC 7 ball races in inverted bearing
  • tonearm is internally wired with flexible wire drawn from high purity copper with only two contact points from cartridge to output connectors
  • counterweight’s center of gravity is level with the stylus tip is decoupled from the arm and acts as a resonance damper
  • fully adjustable VTA, azimuth, and dampened arm lift
  • exclusive microprocessor electronic speed control with dual motor single flywheel drive system
  • 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speed change at the touch of a button
  • adjustable magnetic-levitation feet
  • inverted ceramic main bearing for ultra-quiet operation
  • 7.4 lbs. (3.35 kg) acrylic platter
  • detachable phono cable
  • high quality gold-plated RCA connectors
  • display-style large removable acrylic dust cover

Then pick a cartridge that is compatible with the arm

  • I would select from the Soundsmith lineup

That should round up to your budget

Regards - Steve

 

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