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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
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. 

 

deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
108 posts
 

 

If your audio system has a digital to analog converter (DAC) as its final stage then you should consider the miniDSP ADEPT which is an ultra high performance RIAA preamp to direct digital. This way you can get into the digital stream immediately and avoid double A /D conversions.

https://deercreekaudio.com/products/ols/products/minidsp-adept

 

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
515 posts
 

The vintage Mac C22 has one of the best phono stages Iʻve ever listened to.

merland100
33 posts
 

I have the Moon 810LP, and I consider it a very high value piece. The sound is very clear, dynamic, and multi-dimensional.  It has been used as a reference piece and is far less costly than many high-end phono pre-amps it competes against.  You could try finding one used online if buying new isn't an option for you.  And if you buy used, it will likely be broken in which further improves the sound.

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