i texted Rutan for ya…of course he has a used Ayre…
Phono Stage with XLR outs
Taking another stab at vinyl after about a year break. Not going too fancy but would like a phono stage with both RCA and XLR outputs. My amp, Boulder 866, only accepts XLR. I do have a set of Cardas adapters but thinking to do it right.
Budget - under $1500 used or new.
Table - Clearaudio Concept with Hana ML moving coil cartridge.
Not trying to compete with my Meitner MA3i digital front end. Just looking for good natural presentation.
Contenders - Pro-Ject DS3 B, Black Ice Audio Fusion, McIntosh MP100
Any other candidates that I should consider?
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- 128 posts total
+1 used PS Stellar phono likely best option Maybe a used Parasound JC3. Not sure for Darlington Labs “Balanced output capability (with user-supplied custom connecting cable)” for phono here |
You got 3 good choices, all of which have balanced outputs: Ayre, PS Audio Stellar (if actually balanced), and BAT. There is also the Atmasphere MP1 or MP3, if you prefer tubes. There may be other balanced tube phono stages I don't know about. While the Cardas adapters are very good, you are better off not having to use an adapter when the signal is so low in voltage. |
Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier - an versatile MM/MC phono stage with RCA and XLR outputs: https://parasound.com/products/zc-zphonoxrm?
I have both the RCAs and XLRs hooked up to different amps simultaneously and it works great. Only 8.5" wide, very flexible and affordable ($299) option. Sounds great with my Dual/Ortofon MM turntable, but also has variable MC option. |
- 128 posts total