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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
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
650 posts
 

Yes - if you spray and then run the controls back and forth it will clean them - I had to do that as well.  There probably aren't many DR7s out there - they  cost $4900 US new. and they still bring $2k or more used..

I also use Classe DR3 VHC bridged in the same system - they can put out 500 watts per channel. They didn't make many of those, either as they cost c. $3K.

wspohn's avatar
wspohn
650 posts
 

PS - the bridged DR3 VHC was solid as a rock into a 1 ohm load so many were bought by owners of Apogee Scintillas which had a 1 ohm impedance (early production went as low as 1/4 ohm which would melt down many amps_

sounddragon's avatar
sounddragon
2 posts
 

I would throw the Cyrus Phono Signature into the mix. Can be upgraded with the outboard power supply. Supports 4 inputs and even has a remote. I miss mine a lot. 

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

Hi @neonknight !

I haven’t tried myself, but it would be interesting to compare Esoteric E-03 to Phasemation E-350 (or other higher level one)! 

spindoctor0470's avatar
spindoctor0470
21 posts
 

I'd suggest one of the 'Tom Evans Audio Design' phono stages, that fits your budget. I owned a TEAD SRX 11 and upgraded to a Mastergroove. I now own a 'mend it mark' Mastergroove SR 111 which Is probably the finest of the many phono stages that i have heard. The finest valve/tube phono stage that i have auditioned would be an Aesthetix IO (single power supply) phono stage. 

 

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