2. analog
  3. 1278961665

Vintage Phono Stage? pros and cons

With so many different phono stages out there, why buy new? There has to be some fantastic deals out there on vintage phono stages if you know your history of the giants going back in time. Do the new phono stages offer anything new? has the technology gotten better or is ease of flexibility the only thing that has improved? does the sound degrade over time?
128x128musichead

Showing 2 responses by jaspert

jaspert
157 posts
 
I had the pleasure of using a vintage Accuphase C-240 preamp recently for a few weeks when it was loaned to me. The thing is a build like a tank and i found the build in phonostage to be very good. 2 inputs, switchable headamp circuit for LOMC , loading option up to 100kohm and low noise. The only downside is some slight weakness in PRAT/drive when compared to my other stages. Definitely some gems out there.
jaspert
157 posts
 
Hi Travis,
Agree on the buttons galore and it's nice as a linestage. It still commands a fairly high value on hifido.
I didn't test the phono extensively against my other phonostages at the time as it was a short term loan from a friend. My general impression was pretty positive , not too noisy, a tinge of warmth but a bit more extra gain and a bit more get up and go would have suited my then setup more.
More to discover