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!
Alright folks, I have shortlisted few phono pre’s and now the fun begins. I will report my findings as I find my ways to audition them over the course of next few months. The list (in no particular preference),
Luxman EQ-500 Aurorasound VIDA Herron VTPH-2A LFD LE/SE TRON Convergence EAT e-glo S whest three signature
@lalitk That’s awesome that you’re going to try a few phono stages in your own system, which is the only real way to do it. Looking forward to any conclusions you’d like to share.
My own curiosity towards the new Hagerman Trumpet MC was piqued enough that I’ve ordered one, so I can judge for myself whether a "killer" $1K phono stage is really possible. I don’t expect it to beat or match the VAC Renaissance I love so much, but I’ll be impressed as hell if it gets as close as I think it might? Other contenders so far have fallen far short when plopped in the main rig (ahem, super-value end-all $3K stage).
WONDERFUL system you have, and of course I’m proud to share the Canterbury GR in my own system.
Thanks for your kind words. I’ve been a long time admirer of your audio system. I figured just as much to try few phono’s and see which one of these phono pre sounds best in my system.
Please do post your impressions of Hagerman Trumpet MC here. It will be very interesting to learn how Trumpet performs against VAC Renaissance.
Based on what I’ve heard with ZPhono XRM, you will be more than pleased with JC3+. The meticulous dual mono design and low-carbon mild steel partitions isolating the power supplies should yield inky background and lowest noise floor. One thing that impressed me is their on the fly cart adjustments. It is a tweaker’s delight :-)
Please post your feedback at your earliest convenience, thank you!
The audition for the JC 3+ will be with a Linn LP12 (not sure of the specs) and a Rega Elicit-R. I am familiar with both so this should be a decent test to get an idea of the JC 3+. It might be a couple of weeks before I will be at the location to add this to my system so as to compare it with my Rega Aria...
My set up is the Marantz tt-15 with an upgraded Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC ☆ ES Moving Iron, going to The Manley Chinook with 4 NOS Telefunken tubes. Using the Marantz 7705 preamp (50% vinyl - 50% movies) then the PS Audio M700 for my front stage, Tekton Electron SE speakers. It is a very sweet sounding set up, big improvement on the Manley Chinook after the Telefunken upgrade.
I'm biased but I'd recommended a K&K Maxxed-Out or Trio used. I've heard the Herron quite a bit on a friend's system and I feel my Trio is more organic. Kevin told me the Trio is 95% of the Maxxed-Out.
I'm interested in hearing a Herron phono stage. I've had a JC3+ for a few years and have tried a couple others costing quite a bit more. Neither of these were anywhere as good as the JC3+.
Can a phono stage ever break if not dropped or otherwise abused? I doubt it, so whatever one you like best will deliver the best value if used. I was lucky to find a used Sutherland Insight for about 40% below retail. I then added the linear power stage for $350. To get to the $3K range, the next model up is a 20/20 and with its linear power stage would be about $2650 list. Most dealers will give a modest 10-15% discount. Maybe go to the next model up that includes the LPS. Better yet if you can find them used.
The thing I like is that is all he makes/designs. And a very nice guy who will spend time with a customer for support like he did helping me with my LPS upgrade.
Interesting read on this, I've been meaning to update my phono with tubes, but couldn't find an Aesthetix Io, but couldn't find the one I wanted (single power supply and no volume). I just picked up the Herron that was being spoke of, so thanks for the heads up!
I will reply after I have the opportunity to evaluate the Herron
I just realized, I did not post the latest updates with my Analog setup. I no longer own the Thorens TD1601 / Hana ML and Parasound ZPhono.
My new Analog setup is,
SME Model 15A / Hana Umami Red Cart / EAT E-Glo S w/external LPS.
I got the SME and E-Glo here but waiting on Umami Red to arrive by this weekend. Apparently the distributor can’t keep up with the demand. And yes, at some point I’ll bring Vida for comparison with E-Glo S.
Congrats on your H3000. I do appreciate your offer but for now I am not making any changes until I get fully versed with newly arrived SME Model 15A / Hana Umami Red Cart / EAT E-Glo S w/external LPS.
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).
Transimpedance MC phono preamps are an excellent solution if MM is not required. Lots of candidates such as AQVOX, BMC, Channel D, Sutherland Loco and CH Precision to name just a few. I greatly appreciate the benefit of never having to second guess resistive loading since only gain is an issue. I would suspect your 6 Ohm internal impedance Hana Umami would be an acceptable match with any of these.
Thanks @chakster. Will check it out, for now I am enjoying my time with E-Glo S with external LPS. It has surpassed all of my expectations, gorgeous relaxed sound that is expected from any well made tube phono. The build quality and the sound certainly punches way above its asking price.
I don't have that much experience with phono stages in the price range you specified. However, as a general observation, I like tube gear, including tube phono stages. Where higher gain is needed for MC cartridges, my general preference is for using a step up transformer rather than another active gain stage. I happen to like the sound of "iron" in my system. The other reason to go with tubes is the ability to tailor the sound to one's specific preference by trying out different tubes.
It has been a while, but, I heard a Hagerman phono stage in a friend's system and it sounded quite good, particularly for the money.
I recently read about the Sunvalley tube phono stage in Stereophile, which costs less than $1,000 for a kit, and something like $2,000 if purchased assembled. It gives one the ability to actually change equalization curves--both the turnover frequency and the slope of the curve. I've heard phono stages that have this ability and was surprised at how useful this is even when one doesn't have older records that do not use RIAA equalization. You can read about this phono stage at:
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