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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
merland100
33 posts
 

There are both RCA and balanced inputs on the 810lp but they cannot be used at the same time. So you have the choice of either. I choose to use the RCAs.

dwette
543 posts
 

Yes, I know there’s a choice between balanced or single-ended input, but it’s still a single input, and doesn’t help for connecting two tonearms. My Boulder has two inputs, configured independently. It’s essentially dual phono-stages in one box.

pureclarity
95 posts
 

Rogue Ares II Magnum sounded really good because of the tubes. However I always wondered how Rogue compares with the Hegel H10?

lewm
14,692 posts
 

Wspohn, I and the internet remember the Classe DR3 as a 25W Class A amplifier that was indeed excellent sounding, but how are you getting 500W out of it, even in bridged mode? As I recall it ran quite hot even producing 25W owing to Class A operating.

dogberry
962 posts
 

I had, briefly, a Ray Samuels Emmeline 2 box phono stage. I say 'briefly' as that was how I learned that Positive Feedback reviews did not always translate into real life for me.

Now I'm quite happy with my NuVista Vinyl, but I know that you, OP, were less impressed. So, horses for courses. Maybe a Ray Samuels will work for you!

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