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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
mkiser's avatar
mkiser
43 posts
 

Former Herron VTPH-2A (10 years) user now using a Pyxi and am planning on replacing it at some point with the latest DIY design from the Pyxi designer.  

ledoux1238
418 posts
 

@neonknight

https://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.com/search?q=Fosgate
This is a link to a audio blogger I follow. He is a fan of the Fosgate. In the link he compared it to a SunValley phono. Just for reference the blogger, Dr. John, owns a Kondo Onkagu, but he also experiments with crazy low cost devices. 

lewm
14,650 posts
 

So tell me what does a SunValley sound like? Should one be impressed if the Fosgate sounds like an SV?

dwette
530 posts
 

I once had a Fosgate Signature V2 phono-stage. It sounded great but the reliability was so bad, that after two attempted repairs Musical Surroundings just had the dealer refund my money 100%. That's when I bough a Herron VTPH-2a to replace it. I had that for six years. 

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,825 posts
 

In relation to a Latest DIY Design/Model from the designer of the Sota Pyxi.

Pyxi Designer Wyn Palmer is time served in producing Phon's within a particular BOM. He is also very active in being supportive to individuals keen to have the DIY experience, and receives a lot of kudos for this tutoring on offer.

As for the latest design for a Phon' from Wyn, I know nothing, but, history should leave an individual feeling quite confident, as a design/build, it will be reliable as a circuit, not over complicated as a build, contain electronic parts that are readily available, produce an End Sound that will be quite attractive to Phon' users, who are interested in Phon's typically of a Value between $1K - $2.5K, if the BOM for the new design is one that is typical to Wyn's usual offerings.

If the BOM is deliberately increased as part of a uprated design, it will be difficult to forecast what cost value the design will be a comparison to, when heard against or recollected as an End Sound to other Phon's. 

New users of the new design, will have a few who are able to answer such a question. 

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