@ulcerdoc did you ever have a chance to hear the PH-1000?
Anyone have experience with the PH-1000 and tube stage
I’m thinking about upgrading my phono stage. I currently run a Manley Chinook (tube). It sounds great when the loading is right, but lacks flexibility and is inconvenient (DP switch controls on the back). I have a VPI Classic 4 with multiple internet 12 inch armwands and cartridges (easy swap and real time VTA). I have no interest in changing turntables - I love the VPI. The rest of the system is a McIntosh C2800 preamp, MC611 monoclonal and Revel Salon2. The system is ruler flat and quite revealing/musical.
I am considering a PH1000 (solid state) but I was also thinking about adding their Tube Stage. I can’t find many reviews. You can control loading from the listening chair with a remote so it’s very convenient and flexible, if pricey.
Anybody have any experience with it? I am sure I will get a lot of other suggestions as well.
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Ulcer, baby. Did you write that paragraph about the autoformers in the Steelhead, or are you quoting a paragraph you found somewhere? Again with the "fully class A triode gain stage" business. "This hybrid magnetic–active topology avoids the bandwidth, phase, and loading artifacts of traditional SUTs and avoids the higher noise and overload margins of all-active MC stages." I don't quite get the last part, because the high gain IS coming from an active stage, and I wondering what good can an autoformer do in that case. On the other hand, Manley knows better than I. I would still love to see a schematic. |
@ulcerdoc the key to the ref 10 and VTL 6.5 is lower PS noise floor. As you lower the noise you get better resolution. The other factor both offer is much wider bandwidth than either of the others. Another option would be look for a used VTL 6.5 series 1. They come up every so often for sale in the 3.5k to 4k range. at that price point not much will touch it. There are also improvements you can do to the Chinook to lower its noise floor. 1. add .01uf bypass caps to the rectifier diodes to lower their noise floor. 2. on the rear input panel replace the metal film loading resistors with Vishay S102 foil types. This alone will lower the noise floor 2-4 db over metal film.
I was in your boat a few years ago. Had moved up from the Chinook to the steelhead. Was quite happy with it. Until a friend let me borrow their TP 6.5 series 1. It was a 2 second test. After that was tough to return to the steelhead. I'll be the first to admit it was a tough pill to swallow since I was set on the steelhead and thought it was my end game phono stage. The REF 10 is new enough may be tough to find one on the used market.
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I replaced the load resistors in my Steelhead with “nude Vishay” resistors sold by Texas Instruments, TX2575. To my ears these easily surpass the S102 in transparency. Also, you’re missing a bet if you don’t replace the coupling capacitors (see above). You might change your mind about the VTL if you try the cap mod. |
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