I have the Hovland HP 100 with the phono stage. It is generally quite good, but it is a bit noisy and less immediate than others out there sold separately. I A/B the Hovland against the Tom Evans Groove, which I purchased used for about $1,700, and the Groove really showed the Hovland's weaknesses - i.e., not as immediate or transparent.
Should I buy a Phono Stage from Hovland $1700 ?
I am tossing around wheather or not I should buy a new phono stage for my HP-100 line stage for $1700, or should I buy a seperate deal. I like buying used gear. I have VTL MB 750's I got for $7300, they were 2.5 years old. I got my HP-100 line stage for $3000 and it was 1 year old. My logic is that if I am going to unload $1700 for a phono stage, I could buy a seperate that retails for about $3000, for $1700 used, and if that's the case, can I obtain a better phono stage with $1700 in the used market? If you guys say, the hovland phono stage is just as good as any that retail for $3000, I 'll just order one from Hovland and install it myself.
Thanks
Rich
Thanks
Rich