Upgrade from Hegel V-10?

The Hegel is a really nice phono stage, but I think it's time for an upgrade, since my digital had pulled into the lead 😀

My cart is a Haha ML https://www.hanacartridges.com/products/hana-ml but I'll move up to the Blue when the time comes.

The phono stage will need to accommodate low output moving coils. Balanced output would be preferred.

Budget is 3k, used or new.

Thanks

traudio10-15-2025 8:26pm

yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,189 posts 10-15-2025 at 09:10pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It’s not balanced but this Sutherland should fit the bill!! https://sutherlandengineering.com/20-20/
dtorc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 107 posts 10-16-2025 at 12:40am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You can sometimes find Zesto Andros used for your budget. The nice thing about it is that you can buy it used, and then upgrade the internal power supply (they call it ESP, and it makes a big difference to an already nice phono stage) next year when your coffers fill up again. It uses built in step-up transformers, and works really well with my very low output SPU cartridges. It also works well with those of a more normal output. It has two inputs (one for moving magnet). I use two tonearms, and my mono cartridge goes into that one. I happen to like what a tube phono stage does - and I bet it will be different from the Hegel, which will be fun. David
bdp24 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,492 posts 10-16-2025 at 05:13am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Look into the Liberty Audio B2B-1, which got a great review in Stereophile from Michael Fremer (with great test bench measurements from John Atkinson).
theflattire Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 239 posts 10-16-2025 at 05:50am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Used Modwright PH9.0XT