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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
bpoletti
1,531 posts
 

Just find a used Herron VTPH-2A, get a spare set of tubes and stop worrying about a future upgrade.  There isn't anything better.  

lewm
12,560 posts
 

Drbond has a new phono stage, and it’s not a Herron.

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rauliruegas
12,859 posts
 

Dear @lewm  : "  to generate 16Hz in my listening room... " well a sub can generates the 16z tone but the real problem is that the 16hz wave is big and can't be " developed " by the room/system.

Big organs normally are instaled in cathedrals/churchs.

The original 1812 Telarc LP ( that many of us own. ) has recorded deep bass notes ( 6hz-8hz ) coming from the different cannon shots and the only I can listen and feel for all and around my body are its harmonics.

The transient response in a room/system that cause the " bass impact " are all harmonics developed by those really deep bass notes.

 

Even that and at high SPL the experiences with are overwhelming.

 

In a real room/system almost only the gentlemans that own the MM7 speakers could have a more " complete " experience about that Telarc due that the speaker active subwoofer goes down 7hz but I don't know if M.Lavigne already tested that 1812 LP in his MM7.

R.

lewm
12,560 posts
 

Agree, Raul.  And no one brings up that point, that when the wave length of the tone exceeds the size of the listening space, there is a problem.

drbond OP
396 posts
 

@lewm 

Yes, that makes sense.  I'll see how things work out.  Presently, with just the SL speakers, and playing the 16 Hz note on vinyl, the walls shake;  oddly, playing the same piece on digital doesn't cause much to shake, but just the normal vibration of the listening chair, etc. 

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