With your 1500$ budget: new Parasound JC3 Jr, Hegel V10. Used Goldnote PH10 or PS stellar phono. These will do it without compromise and you've got a very good set up to benefit from it. Of course the later two are better. Depends if you are willing to get a used one. Good luck and keep us posted.
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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Decided to go with tubes. Will most likely try BIA Fusion 9 Mk3 (has CLR outs) or Softone Model 4. Or both. Data points to these two having a totally different sound signature with BIA having a more modern type sound (which can be changed a bit with different tubes) and Softone having a warm and luscious type presentation. Not stating this as a fact - it’s just based on me doing some digging gathering info. |
“Softone having a warm and luscious type presentation” I can vouch for that, presentation is every bit smooth, warm, and utterly engaging in my system.
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@lalitk got a response from Shoichi Yoshimoto that confirms your description of the Model 4 sonics. The next production is mid November so if I order now it will be probably around mid December delivery. I’ve got an email out to BIA with couple if questions. I’m really tempted to get both :). I think lush and warm will be great on jazz and acoustic music. With classical I might crave a bit more instrument separation. Not sure if Model 4 lacks in that department. |
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