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I need help regarding tube phono preamplifiers

To the Audiogon community. I am currently considering one of three possible all tube phono preamps to incorporate in my two channel system. The three phono stages are 1.Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp 2.Zesto Andros Deluxe II phono stage and 3. Vac Renaissance phono preamp. I will incorporate the stand alone phono preamp into my McIntosh C48 preamp and utilize a Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a Clearaudio Universal tonearm and Kiseki Purple Heart phono cartridge. If anyone has experience to help me compare the differences between these phono stages I would greatly appreciate the input. Thanks.

andyhifiman
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

We here have heard that Herron and DecWare are way better.

 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,827 posts
 

I have a Herron, i don’t agree with the above “ we “ opinion. Any of the 3 phono preamps you are considering can best in certain areas the excellent all around performance and neutrality of the ( unfortunately ) out of production Herron. The Aesthetix has no FET front end and is a tube rollers delight. Jim White also offers an extensive upgrade path without throwing away the chassis, etc… 

This passion and hobby, especially the analog front end is full of nuance…

Enjoy the music.

Jim

livin_262002
184 posts
 

Having heard and owning Rhea Signature, I completely agree with Jim. I have to warn you that Rhea is very very sensitive to tube quality (noise and microphony). 

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