+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
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?
+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. |
@lewm the adapters are for my amp as it only accepts XLR. So it’s a line level signal. The Cardas adapters I have are excellent quality although I am sure not using adapters would definitely be a better option. 1. The Clearaudio Concept, according to my research, is a very accurate and may be even slightly lean sounding table. I don’t know how true all this is as I don’t have it in my possession yet 2. The cartridge, Hana ML, is open and detailed sounding. It isn’t analytical per say but it doesn’t mask anything either. I need to stay as neutral as possible but at the same time try to preserve musicality. I’m thinking a tubed phono stage, one that’s still true to the source but has a hint of that tube magic, may be what the doctor ordered. |
Tube phono stages that I found so far with XLR outs are ProJect tube box DS3 B and Black Ice Audio Fusion 9 Mk3. In my price range brand new. I’m not exactly a ProJect fan boy. And I never heard Black Ice Fusion 9. |