2. amps-preamps
  3. 179318-174247

Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive

I posted previously in search of a phono preamplifier, but as I put together a system I refined what I was looking for.

My current Analog food chain consists of Technics 1200G turntable, Hana ML cartridge, unknown phono preamplifier, McIntosh MA12000 integrated, Sabrina X, pair of REL S/812 subs.  Also, Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner and a mix of Alpha V2 NR and Venom V10NR power cables.  Other cables: AQ Earth balanced interconnects, William Tell full range speaker cables.  Also, had to make some room acoustic modifications.

So, here is the problem.  I just got a Holo May DAC DTE and have been streaming by Roon, mostly purchased and ripped files on a Synology NAS.  The problem is that my digital side sounds much more musical than my analog.  Part of the remedy is on the way with 3" Tiger Maple equipment rack, but digital and analog are not close.  My Sutherland 20/20 LPT is going back.  It has limited front/back sound stage and the upper mids and treble are a bit shrill.  I say this because the Holo is just beautifully musical throughout.

Music Direct will be taking Sutherland back and has suggested the Esoteric E-02 Balanced as a solution.  So this post I'm raising my budget to 9-10K new, or used and prefer balanced out.  Looking for detail, dynamics and silent background.  I just can't have the digital so much more enjoyable... of course there is always selling all analog and staying digital, but that doesn't feel right.  

So, where do I go for balanced out and more musical, but retaining micro detail and dynamics?

vonhelmholtz
vonhelmholtz OP
911 posts
 

@soix 

The review of the Allnic is very positive,  but no balance out and class A tube phono stage with just 8" space per shelf in my rack wouldn't do.

@johnss 

The VTL TP 6.5 has great reviews.. The newer version is $$$

@ghdprentice 

I've read many of your posts and you always seem to have a firm foundation and much experience. Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC, and Presto seem like great suggestions, but I do want to stay with balanced outputs.

 

I think that many others offered similar advice to the ones that I referenced.  From what I'm seeing above, most think that a tube phono stage would be more musical.

soix
8,729 posts
 

Be aware that VTL’s customer service is legendary for being awful.  Personally I’d never support a company that doesn’t support me, especially when there are so many other excellent alternatives.  Just fyi and FWIW. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,288 posts
 

Pass XP-17 has XLR out

vonhelmholtz OP
911 posts
 

@urbie

If money solves problems, then the Townshend Podiums should solve all of life’s problems. I’ll revisit this if other solutions fail.

My equipment stand only has 8" space between shelves.  This alone eliminates many tube phono stages.  Are there tube phono stages that can give good results and stay cool with only 8"?  Are there quality solid state phono stages that have a musical presentation without loss of detail and dynamics?

urbie
275 posts
 

I don't know if the Townsend podiums will solve all life's problems but they sure solve a lot of the audio problems especially room problems. LOL

More to discover