2. analog
  3. 1077210082

Venturing into Vinyl - Phono Stage Questions

Well, I'm finally taking the plunge. Albert Porter's Tuesday night sessions have effectively ruined digital for me, and I've decided to try analog for myself. But, I do have some basic equipment questions, and would appreciate the suggestions of the Audiogon community...

Right now, I am using Vandersteen 2CE's with a Rogue amp and an AES tube output CD player. I think I have found a turntable, but would appreciate some suggestions on a tubed preamp and phono stage. I'd like to stay between $550-750 for both, and it seems like my options are as follows. (1) Get an older pre with built in phono stage, or (2) go with lower cost separates.

So my questions are... How good are the built-in phono stages on some of the older preamps out there (I'm thinking older Audio Research, CJ, Audible Illusions, etc.)? How do they compare with some of the newer, budget level stand alone phono stages (e.g. Lehmann, Channel Island, Bottlehead, Hagerman, etc.)? I'm very interested in trying out the DIY kits out there (specifically the Bottlehead Foreplay or the Consonance Basie) for a preamp, so if the newer budget stuff is really as good as people seem to say, I'd be more than comfortable going that route (DIY pre and separate phono).

Any advice and recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric
ewha

Showing 1 response by hififile

hififile
236 posts
 
Dear Eric,

I was using the phono section of my McIntosh MA-6500 and it was pretty decent. On a whim I purchased the $300 clear audio micro basic phono stage and was very suprised how much improvement it made. I use a Pro-Ject Perspective with Blue Point Special Cartridge and Magnepan speakers. This was the best upgrade I have made for the money.

My buddy has the Lehman Black Cube. I put it in my system and made an A/B comparison. I liked the Clear Audio better.

I found this to be a good way to try an outboard phono stage for a very small investment.

Happy Hunting!
More to discover