1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 196831-3976

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
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. 

lewm
14,694 posts
 

 dwette, I would take issue with your idea that it is relatively simple to disconnect and reconnect the DIN connector.  That is only true if your plinth permits easy access to the DIN connector by reaching in from underneath the top surface of the plinth.  Not many plinths meet that criterion. And in many cases, it would be impossible without some disassembly of the TT itself. It would be a lot easier to disconnect and reconnect RCA or XLR plugs at the phono inputs.

Neon, Are you looking for good phono stages that can service more than one tonearm independently or just good phono stages that do not cost an arm and a leg? If the latter, there are a myriad of good choices especially in the "pre-owned" marketplace.

dwette
545 posts
 

@lewm 

I would take issue with your idea that it is relatively simple to disconnect and reconnect the DIN connector.  That is only true if your plinth permits easy access to the DIN connector by reaching in from underneath the top surface of the plinth

I didn’t mean that as a general statement (I should have been more clear). I was referring to my particular use case, which is why the Boulder with two inputs is still suitable for using my three arms in rotation. I have a Clearaudio Master Innovation. The DIN connectors are exposed under arm boards that mount swinging away from the plinth where the arm mounts. It literally takes me about 5-10 seconds to remove the DIN connector from one and attach it to the other. 

More to discover