Which Pre Phono between Dynavector XX2 and AN M3


I do not have any Phono entry on my Audio Note M3 pre-amp and want to buy a Pre-phono + step-up for my Dynavector XX2 (mounted on Regar Arm and DSP Turntable).

I'm hesitating between:
- EAR 834P
- Aqvox 2CI MKII

but open to better choice ..

Any advice or experience on that ??
stelma

Showing 2 responses by sonofjim

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the Ayre P5xe may be the best at anywhere near this price point(and much higher). First of all, I'm not a P5xe owner(GCPH) but I've been researching phono stages for a couple years and it seems the only one with close to everything you need in a phono stage.
-Adequate gain for any cartridge
_quiet operation
-potential for balnaced and single ended connections(in and out)
-loading options(it falls down a bit here in terms of convenience but there is a wide variety of options)
-RIAA accuracey
This last point is the most frustrating for me on even mega expensive stages. Take, for example, the $12,000.00 Audio Teckne currently highly touted by TAS and sure to have a glowing review coming soon. RIAA on this unit varies by +-1.5db. Doesn't sound bad at first but this is huge. By comparison, the $2500 P5xe varies by only +- .05db. My GCPH, also dead quiet and very flexible, +-.1db.
For these reasons, I would recommend looking more closely at these two moderately priced units. More money may get you less flexibility and more coloration and not much else. Need more than one phono input? How about 2 or even 3 P5xes. You still come in at less than a megabuck phono. Anyway, this is where I've ended up so far. I feel the P5xe is vastly underestimated because of it's modest price. Of course YMMV.
Audiofeil,
You forgot the YMMV part as well. What do you know of/sell that has the gain, flexibilty and significantly outperforms the P5xe at or even twice it's price without taking too much liberty with the RIAA curve? I'm not taunting, I really am looking for an accurate, flexible phonostage, preferably with multiple inputs (balanced>single ended). Stelma's stated that he's open to suggestion as well.
Restock,
I know your right that RIAA accuracey isn't the only important parameter but all else being equal, especially at a high price point, I'd want the more accurate one.