2. analog
  3. 160892-10032

Phono stage recommendations

Hi,
Getting that "upgrade itch" again. I am currently using a Tavish Adagio phono with the upgraded SUTs, which sounds pretty darn good! However, I'm looking at several alternatives; Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II (the top of my budget), Luxman EQ500, for tube units and the Sim Audio 610 LP or the Whest 40 RDT as the SS contenders. Whichever one I choose, it must have balanced outputs and cannot be over 5 inches high due to space limitations of my equipment rack. My cart is a Kiseki PH N.S. which I will hold on to for the time being, but I may decide to move on to something else later on. Both my preamp and amp are SS and the amp runs in class A. I think I'm still partial to tubes, although I am willing to keep an open mind. I am hoping that the next purchase will be an "endgame" phono stage for me.

The Zesto is a new design, the Luxman design is several years old but likely will remain in the lineup for a number of years given the history of their previous phono stages. The Sim Audio looks like it may be nearing the end if its 10 year life cycle, since it has been around for 7-8 years. The Whest 40 series was introduced in 2019? Just like most others in this hobby, I hate when I buy something only to have a  newer model introduced soon after. Anyway.

Any thoughts? Thanks.
grk
varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
I like Whest stages. I have had three and currently sit with the MC Ref V. It is the best phono stage I have heard in my system ( Vitus SIA 030, Dohmann Helix 2, Schroeder CB, Lyra Etna SL). I also have an Allnic H-7000 that I run with my LP 12. 
Whest phono stages are flexible, sensibly sized for your rack and really get down to the heart of the music. They are very high resolution, clean and just plain boogie.
If it makes you feel any better, John Henriot can customize your phono stage for your needs and has been known to accept trade -in's of prior models if you want to upgrade in the Whest line at a very fair value. I would get in touch with him via email and discuss your needs- he is a very pleasant bloke :) FYI, MOFI will be distributing Whest phono stages in the USA very soon. Prior dealer, Jay Kaufmann in San Diego, has retired. Also, the customer reviews on the Whest website may give you some interesting reading...
Have fun
smatsui
166 posts
 
I have the Zesto Andros 1.0 and the Luxman EQ-500 and I love both.  You can't go wrong with the new Zesto or the Luxman.  If I had to pick, I think I would go with the Luxman.  I prefer the retro look of the Luxman and the build quality is fantastic.  The Luxman is in my basement system with a Rega P10/ Apheta 3.  The Zesto is in my living room system with a Linn LP12, Radikal power supply, Ekos SE arm and Akiva MC cartridge.  I prefer vacuum tube phono stages because I can roll tubes to achieve the SQ that matches my preferences.  The Zesto and the Luxman are very quiet phono stages with a lot of options to match a variety of cartridges.
grk OP
200 posts
 
Smatsui - I am envious that you have those two phono stages and two systems! Also, I am curious as to which MC setting you use with the Apheta 3?  I assume that you are using the MC low setting?
Yes, the Lux build quality is outstanding and would likely hold up for many years. BTW - I have the Luxman C-900u preamp.
jperry
2,430 posts
 
I think the Luxman EQ500 is a great alternative. The Aesthetix Rhea is another alternative to consider, all tube gain, no SUT or FET gain, but it may be too tall.

I have a NOS Kiseki PH Sapphire. Great sounding cartridge. I am sure your Kiseki PH N.S sounds great.
grk OP
200 posts
 
Well I bought a Luxman EQ 500 and it is outstanding! Coming from a Tavish Design Adagio (with upgraded transformers) which is no slouch, the Lux plays at another level, and it should since it is quite a bit more expensive. It is very powerful and dynamic sounding. It is also very quiet and may be the only phono stage I have ever owned over the years where I do not hear the least bit of hum! Sound staging is very expansive and images are solid. Vocals and instruments are more expressive. The overall sound feels like everything is firmly grounded. Also, it is easier to discern the recording venues, whether studio or live concerts, in large or small venues. I get much more of a sense of actually being there. Although the Tavish was good at that, using NOS tubes, the Lux (using stock tubes) is simply better. This is my end game phono stage. While there are undoubtedly even better ones out there, they will likely cost much, much more than I care to spend.
Note: It appears that there are no longer any new units remaining in the US. Factory production in Japan has slowed or shut down again due to COVID and the distributor does not anticipate any new stock in the US for at least another 4-5 months.
More to discover