Phonostage recommendations under $3K


Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk

Showing 8 responses by chakster

@lalitk

@chakster,

The Vida is on my top 5 list but I can only afford it used :-)

Prices for used VIDA are fine, I have no problem to buy used phono stage. 

Aurorasound home page



Look for Aurorasound VIDA and read why it's not a conventional phono stage from the list above. 


Some people are married to that Herron, they are not allowed to look aside. 
And yes, at some point I’ll bring Vida

this is all i need to know
report back when you can try it


If I am going to be settling with a MC cart, I wonder if pursuing a MC only phono would offer a better sound over purpose built MM/MC phono’s?


MM and MC are two separate circuits in a good phono stages.
If you have half of it you only lack MM input which is a nice to have on any phono stage, because you can use it as a second MC (with SUT).