Ok so you have had a few suggestions. Here is another:. Look at the selection of used phono amps at The Music Room (tmraudio.com). They are a big reseller that certifies their gear and sell here on Audiogon as well as EBAY and their website. They have very knowledgeable staff and currently have 44 phono pre-amps listed for under $2K, including an Ayre, a Pass Labs & PS Audio, etc. with balanced outs. A 30 day trial will get you headed in the right direction.
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
Update/initial impressions with the Whest Two.2… Noise level - super low, lower than the MP100 Detail retrieval - highs are slightly more extended than the MP100. More live band feel with rhythm section - bass is bigger and tighter, has more texture. Drums have more impact with realistic shimmer mids are crystal clear - on par with MP100 if ever slightly more into the room. Vivid colors with notes fading into inky black background. Dynamics more explosive than the laid back MP100. A lot of drama going on - exciting and dynamic presentation. Guitars have bite and strings have body. I listened few selections from Allan Parsons IRobot MoFi 45 RPM and Dire Straits Love Over Gold MoFi 45 RPM. Soundstage is wide and instrument separation os superb. To sum up - airy, tremendous details and dynamics, very engaging and explosive transients. Need to let it settle for few days and need to do some more listening. I like what I’m being presented with so far but the real test is to live with it. I see one potential concern which is the exaggerated dramatics. But that also makes it super engaging. Settings: 100ohm, 65db Cables: Blueajeans XLR (it’s all I got for the phono at this point); power cord - stock Whest cable. I have a Kimber PK14 power cable that I will try later - for now I need a baseline with basic cables .
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Thanks @thecarpathian enjoying it for sure. But you know in audio initial impressions aren’t always the indication of things to be. Time will tell. I have 60 days to decide. |
- 128 posts total