2. analog
  3. 1425943943

Phono Stage Selection - PH-16 or Hagerman Cornet3

Yes, yet another phono stage thread.

I'm working with the following constraints and could use input:
- tubes - my rig is all SS and has shown to benefit from a tube stage (borrowing one now).
- Sub $700
- maximize performance
- I build Marshall tube amps so kits make sense to help meet the above bullet

Assumption
- these two kits outperform "big box" equivalents

http://www.haglabs.com/collections/phono-preamps/products/cornet3

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/PH16.htm

Any testimonials?

Would like to see the thread stay on point unless there's a serious winner I've missed.

I'm aware that Musical Fidelity is making a stellar SS stage for the same price, etc.
128x128kevindh

Showing 2 responses by kevindh

kevindh's avatar
kevindh OP
7 posts
 
Three more candidates:

Aural Thrills
http://www.auralthrillsaudio.com

Used Jolida JD-9

Used Audio Research PH-3.

Suppose I'm looking for one of the experts here to analyze the design and help decide which best addresses the common downsides of tube stages; I.e noise, lack of or flubby bass. Also running an Ortofon 2M Blue so it should pair well with that cart.

Some have money back guarantees so I may audition a few. Just looking for help shortening the list.

Cheers
kevindh's avatar
kevindh OP
7 posts
 
That's great input. I hear a lot of great things about Hagermann kits and I dig the Kickstarter story.

Honestly, i get hung up on the packaging size. Not sure why but I'm leaning toward the PH-16 due to the massive toroidal tranny and overall complexity of the design. similar $. His RIAA curve is a bit more precise as well.

Not a done deal yet but that's where I'm leaning. Roy has been exceptionally responsive as well. Jim was a bit more brief in responses to inquiries, however clearly stands behind his product by offering a year to return if I didnt like it. that speaks volumes.

We'll see...
More to discover