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 I use Whest Two.2. It’s relatively compact. Has one input. It’s not romantic or sweet or warm sounding. Just very transparent and honest. It’s super quiet as well.
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A transimpedence phono stage such as the Sutherland Loco gives you the sound of the cartridge without any color or sound signature. There is no loading of gain or impedance so what your getting is a true sound of your cartridge. If you are changing carts and arms this set up will give you the true sound of those components. This has the limitation of only working with low output moving coil cartridges Good luckn |
I have been using a Zesto Andros 1.2 for several years, have rolled-tubes and am VERY happy with it. That being said, Zesto makes a FOUR input phono preamp model - the Andros Téssera Reference Phonostage. It would be on my demo-short-list if I were in the market. Current MSRP for a new unit is ~$20K. |
