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.
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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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. |
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