What is the Phono stage you have finished with?


Hello, Like many I have an e.a.r 834p, and it has served me well for many years, I am now however looking for a new MC phono stage. I am up for going quite a few stages up from the ear (so the next phono will last me a few years!).

Would like to hear from you guys who have already gone down this road!
Happy listening

Cheers
James
sme10

Showing 1 response by no_regrets

I absolutely love my Artemis Labs Ph-1. It's an all tube design using 6n1p's, 12ax7's and 5687's giving about 52dB of gain without the use of any step up transformers. Loading is completely adjustable by simply plugging resistors in the back panel of the unit. Extremely well built. The key with this one is you must put a lot of hours on it to break in fully resulting in a wonderful harmonic bloom, excellent micro and macro dynamics. Without the full break in, it is only mediocre at best. Also, I leave mine on all the time unless thunderstorms are in the area. With only 52dB of gain on tap, you must keep the cartridge output at roughly .8mV or higher unless you want to put a step up transformer in front of it. If used within these constraints, it is a truly remarkable phono stage.