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High Value Phono Stages

The current phono stage is an Esoteric E-03, which I am quite content with. I have an Origin Live Agile w Transfiguration Proteus on one input and an OG Kiseki Blackheart on an Audiomods 12" Series 6 on the other. 

I have a third tonearm, an Audiomods 10.5" Series 6 in the system with a Benz Micro Glider on it going into the onboard phono stage of the Trinov. Which is OK, but not excellent. I have a 4th tonearm that may come into play some day. 

So what do you like in good quality phono stages that may not be TOTL pieces. I know the Darlington is a popular answer. Graham Slee often is. Some folks like the SOTA Pyxi. 

Thoughts on output devices, topology and so forth are certainly welcome. Not a SUT user so that is not on the table. I have to admit that small format stages are interesting, like the Ray Samuels Nighthawk. 

 

Any thoughts?

neonknight
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,492 posts
 

Thöress. 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,392 posts
 

The Hagerman Cornet or Trumpet would be on my short list

jwei
259 posts
 

Manley Steelhead

Pass Labs XP17

dwette
545 posts
 

I’m now using a Boulder 1108, after previously using a Naim Superline/Supercap, and a Herron VTPH-2a before that.

I love the Boulder for its two independently configured inputs and excellent performance. This may well be end game for me.

I have a turntable with three tonearms. Even though I have just two inputs on my Boulder it’s rather trivial to move a phono cable from one arm to another by reconnecting the DIN (i.e. tonearm) end of the cable.

rossb
217 posts
 

The Accuphase C-47 or recently released C-57 accepts 4 inputs and is probably amongst the best phono stages currently available. 

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