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Phonostage recommendations under $3K

Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,055 posts
 
“A phono stage so good (and well built) it may well serve you the rest of your life.”

Thank you @millercarbon for your feedback. Well, it’s not only the initial cost, I am also considering the additional cost of NOS tubes. I guess that’s all can come at a later time. I couldn’t find any info on stock tubes (2 x 12AX7, 3 x 12AT7) being included with the phonostage. In any case, it seems VTPH-2A offers a lot at $4K price point.

Did you tube rolled your VTPH-2A yet or still using stock tubes? If yes, what tubes you have tried and found to be best with VTPH-2A.
frozentundra
207 posts
 
@lalitk 

Brian from audioadvisor has listened to a few in your price ranges 

he said best said best selling is parasound jc3 jr
and that chord Huey &  musical Surroundings are all pretty close 

jc3+ was larger bass output was his top thought for higher price point 

IVE listened to Esoteric and Audio Research phonoS and they are better with bigger bass( Lyra & Purpleheart cartridges ) 

the higher up you go the bigger bass is what I hear. 
My thoughts 

Have good journey 

jeff

simao's avatar
simao
1,715 posts
 
I would suggest you call Keith Herron and tell him your rig, listening habits, and price range. If you're within a few hours of St. Louis, see if you can arrange an in-home audition. Oddly enough, millercarbon is right in just how Herron products are. They will best even the JC3+
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
I recommend looking at the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS, Bryston BP-2 MM/MC, and Simaudio 310LP. And then tuning for your preference of warm and relaxed sound with the downstream electronics.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@lalitk 

Did you tube rolled your VTPH-2A yet or still using stock tubes? If yes, what tubes you have tried and found to be best with VTPH-2A.

Keith designs the VTPH2A around inexpensive EH tubes.  I tried rolling other more expensive tubes in the Herron and always came back to the stock EH tubes.  It's the only piece of tube gear I have that doesn't respond well to rolling. Keith will tell you that himself. Cost of future tubes are a non-issue with this pre.


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