suggestions on small footprint phono stages


Hello gang - I'm interested in upgrading my phono stage (a PS Audio GCPH), but for the sake of WAF I need something with a smaller footprint width-wise (roughly in the dimensions of the GCPH, which is less than 1/2 a rack space).

I like and enjoy the GCPH (and it's flexibility), but it is a bit bright/cold sometimes (my speakers - Focal 1027 - contribute there). So, I am looking for something a little more organic - tube preferred as a contrast to the GCPH, but SS works too.

I'm flexible on price - ballpark $2k-$3k, new or used. To that end, the EAR 834P is on my list to check out (and an 88PB if I can find one secondhand), and the Artemis PL1/PH1, though I think that'll limit me to MCs (I currently have a Shelter 501mk2 and a Sumiko Blackbird - it'd be nice to have the flexibility to experiment with some MMs at some point, but not a dealbreaker), ASR mini basis.

Any suggestions to narrow the field down?

Thanks!
jerico

Showing 1 response by palasr

The Audio Electronic Supply PH-1 (6.5" W)(now discontinued) is a pretty nice sounding tubed unit with a half-rack width. The Artemis is larger than it looks (8.5" W)(the PL-1 is for MC, the PH-1 for MM) but is also quite nice. A Tom Evans Microgroove might be another suggestion, though solid state.