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Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2

Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2.  I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!  

The next phase of my system now needs attention:  the phono stage.  Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers). 

I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).  
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT).  I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.  

I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA  LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT.  I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range. 
Thanks. 

drbond
drbond OP
395 posts
 

@mijostyn 

Thanks for offering to make a brass counterweight for the CB tonearm.  Is the counterweight simply a heavier cartridge mounting plate?  How would I know if I need one.  Presently, I just move the weight back and forth to adjust for VTF.  

Thanks. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,774 posts
 

@drbond  : Always that we can is healthy that the counterweigth be as close the tonearm pivot/bearing as is posible because between other things improves the LP tracking.

 

R.

lewm
12,448 posts
 

You know you need a heavier CW if your present CW is insufficient in weight to achieve the desired VTF with your particular cartridge. If you’re at the end of rear travel of the CW in order to achieve VTF, then too you might consider a heavier CW so you can get it closer to the pivot and still achieve VTFlike Raul said.

drbond OP
395 posts
 

@lewm @rauliruegas 

Thanks for clarifying:  my counterweights are about equidistant from the pivot to the end of the tonearm, so I don't think anything extra is needed there.  I think perhaps @mijostyn meant a brass cartridge mounting plate as opposed to brass counterweight. . . but maybe I'm wrong.  

lewm
12,448 posts
 

Effective mass of the tonearm will be related to the mass of the CW X (distance from center of mass of CW to pivot)-squared. So if you want to minimize EM then you’re nbest off with a heavier CW placed closer to the pivot.

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