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Phono's $2100 to $2600

Dear all I would be interested in hearing your thoughts for a phono upgrade.  What is driving this is that I recently got a Lyra Delos and a Nordost Heimdall phono cable as presents- the sound is simply in another league than before (prior cartidge was Benz low output glider).  So now hooked- all I want to do is spin vinyl all day and all night!

The rig is VPI Aries 1 with upgraded footers, separate flywheel, and synchronose drive- the phono stage is a Trigon Vanguard II and this in turn is hooked into Prima Luna Dialogue premium (using nos 12au7's).  The amps are Pass labs xa60.5 mono's driving Thiel 3.7's.

For a long time I was looking to upgrade the preamp but now I think I will got for the phono 1st and consider a new line preamp later on unless I find a full function preamp to do it all in one shot- obviously I would have to up my budget.

Anyway, assuming I just look at the phono I think I have narrowed my choices to the following with my budget:
1. Zesto Andros (about $2.1k used)
2. Sutherland 20/20 ($2.2k new)
3. Allnic 1202 ($2.6k used)

Potentially I could also look at the PS Audio Stellas phono (the advantage here is that I can trade in my trigon for full retails $500).  And lastly, completely out of left field I have to say I have this urge to try a Sutherland PHD which just sounds like a wonderful phono that made a mark (and would be about $1k or so).

I should also add the Herron that seems to have quite a following but they simply do not show up used so I have put that one aside for the time being.,

I realize I should listen to these in my system but if buying used I can't always do that so I would very much like to get your opinions.   The system sound good but I would like better soundstage depth and texture/detail- but without going overboard on the latter.


pgastone
tablejockey
4,403 posts
 
pgastone-

Sorry, you're on your own,as far as dissecting the differences between units.
My aging ears, along with tinnitus disqualify me to give any useful help.
Very subtle, to my ears if any.

As mentioned, I thought they all were nice. When I did a side by side comparison with my existing unit, I forced the S.O. the listen, she did hear differences, but she too said they were subtle. 

System/room differences also factor in one's own opinion?

I got more a "you're kidding right?  look more than anything! She said this one sounds a little more this.. but really, it's so damn subjective, I'm useless after giving you my $0.01 cent.

If I were to get something right now, I would get a Manley Chinook and call it a day. They seem to be the best value on the used market. 

I'd look for a used PL Dialogue Pre to go with your amp as well. You will have a smokin system. You then obsess about the rest of the system.
tablejockey
4,403 posts
 
I forgot to mention in my original post-

Lyra Delos AND Nordost cable for gifts?
If they were given to you by wifey, she's a keeper!

I get practical and useful stuff-wallet  or a belt.. who needs that stuff? I want a Koetsu or vintage tubes or an original Beatle SP!!
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,482 posts
 
@pgastone You were looking for a phono earlier in the $1000 range. Well done on moving up the ladder. I would get the Allnic if you like a tubey sound. It supports 2 arms if you use a MM+MC.
However, it uses SUTs. This means you could buy a SUT like a Bob's Devices Cinemag 1131 and use a MM tube amp-widening your choice if you get my drift.
pgastone OP
80 posts
 
That's a good point- decisions decisions.
And yes I had been looking for $1k phono but after the other upgrades I decided to go for a more significant improvement.  I just love how my records sound now- very close call with the digital side (I have a Simaudio 280d dac also hooked up with a Nordost usb cable- the cable was a major step up)....the streaming sounds more defined and dynamic but I feel the vinyl sounds more organic; there is less of an electronic sheen if that makes any sense.  And with the Thiels you have to be careful with trebble- can become too forceful and electrnic hash can easily be heard.  That said, both are very good but if I can get qualities of the digital playback without the downside I mentioned it will be heaven....I think.

@ tablejockey
as for the presents I basically said I wanted one thing and one thing only....so I managed to avoid wallets and socks and belts for presents on my bday and xmas.  My wife thinks I have gone off the deep end.

Anyway, thanks for the very interesting feedback.  Btw, I do indeed use a PL Dialogue pre-amp driving Pass labs mono's- works great.  I think I could take the system a lvel further with a higher end preamp but now I am focused on the analogue upgrade.

So nobody seems to keen on the idea of an older Sutherland PHD?  I have to say I am very curious about trying it after everything I read and it certainly would be a cheap option compared to what I listed above.

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 
pgastone-

I misread your original post. I see you use a PL into the Pass amps. I initially read it as you had a PL amp. Oops. Did you do the tube rolling/power cord stuff?

Comparing what you get for your money, the PL raises the bar. An American made unit with identical build quality is going to cost a bit more?

I wouldn't be worried about the Southerland not delivering the goods. They always get good reviews. You just won't hear the tube "orgainc" vibe, which only a tube unit offers.

I would think you can expect very quiet, precise performance. Maybe it may have some the tube virtues that really nice SS units offer?
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