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?
Looks like Whest Two.2 took you by surprise right out of the gate. Like you said, give it a few more days to settle and see if that sense of drama stays exciting or starts to feel a bit over the top. Bottom line, if it draws you into the music each time you drop the stylus then you got yourself a winner. |
If you have access to a reverse RIAA, this can be used to put CD through the Phon' and get serious substantial hours on it over a short period. New Phon's under test by myself have at a low volume repeat played CD 24/7, it is quite a surprise that the sound takes on a substantial change following 100ish hours and usually is totally gathered as the End Sound near 200 hours. The initial experience had using the Phon' in the analogue chain and following the intense in use period, is a experience well worth creating. I myself am on the verge of receiving a bespoke and commission built SS Phon', not that I will be intending on returning it, but it will get a good session of intense use with the Reverse RIAA. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0605/9340/6175/files/whestTWO.2.pdf?v=1640609426
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The Reverse RIAA loaned to me, was a Hagerman design, so yes the link is possibly the exact same. Note: The advice for use, was to be at low volume, so I must reiterate what I was advised. When the Phon' referred to was being designed/built, the EE who was going through the motions of trialling different components and was allowing the added parts to be used for multiple days via the Reverse RIAA, prior to making an assessment against the running in parallel second prototype. When significant improvements was discovered, I was invited along to experience both Prototypes. That was a very interesting year in relation to making a new addition for the Vinyl Sources supporting electronics. The present commission built SS Phon' soon to be received. Is one I am very familiar with as a version of the design, I have heard it in use from the conceptual version - working prototype - offered design. I do not feel the need to be present to make an assessment of the build as it evolves to the finish, I trust the designer/builder is to put in place a tweak to the design that allows my preferences for the voicing / structure of sound to manifest. |
