2. analog
  3. 1448662967

Specific SS phono stage suggestions 1K budget

Hey everyone,

I hope those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving had a great time with friends and family. As the titles says - looking for some specific recommendations in the 1k range for SS phono stages. I have certain parameters that will hopefully narrow the field. My set up is a Naim 5i-2, Harbeth C7es3 speakers, and a Marantz TT with a Grado Statement Sonata 1 (LOMC) cartridge. The system plays very well together, and the phono stage is the final piece of the puzzle. I know these discussions go in a million different directions, but I'm trying to keep it within the following parameters:

1. Solid State (either battery powered or with a IEC cord. No wall warts)
2. Multiple cartridge loading options - I can't believe what a difference this makes.
3. 1k new (would consider going a bit higher).

So far, I've looked at the following that seem intriguingL
a. Sutherland Ph3D
b. Musical Surroundings Nova II
c. Whest Two (pretty minimal options in terms of loading)

I'd welcome any other suggestions. Hopefully, the parameters I've provided will make recommendations a bit easier.

Thanks so much,
Scott
smrex13

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,064 posts
 

Scott - I purchased a Simaudio Moon LP5.3RS a while back.and haven't looked back.

This model is now discontinued, but the new 310LP is basically the very same unit - it just has a new faceplate.

It seems to fit your requirements very well and really benefits from using a quality power cable.

There is a separate power supply, but they are expensive and the quality power cable seems to provide similar benefits.

It is very quiet - with the amp at full volume I get a very slight hiss

The only drawback - you do have to remove the cover to set the jumpers - not very elegant - but very effective

I'm using it with a Soundsmith modified Denon DL103 moving coil cartridge on an Audiomods Series three arm and the details are superb.

The Sutherland and the Whest were also on my list, and I also tried the LFD, but the Moon performed better on my system.

Hope that assists you in your decision making process :-)

Regards...

williewonka
3,064 posts
 

Pani - when I was lookingfor my phono stage I purchased the LFD based on recommendation of the guys at the store (they are very good, so I respect their opinion), but I ended up taking it back - it was not a good choice for either my cartridge or my system (probably the cartridge).

 I then tried the Simaudio Moon and never looked back.

By comparison the LFD was low on volume, dull and lifeless, which surprised me, based on what I had read in several reviews, and it also surprised the guys at the store from which I purchased it, because they thought it was their best bang for the buck phono stage.

So as always, it only goes to show what's good for one system may not work too well in another - you really do have to try them in your own system to see if they pan out.

Regards...

More to discover