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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
mike4597's avatar
mike4597
303 posts
 

If by “high value” you mean an excellent cost to performance ratio, I would look at Lounge Audios LCR MkIII phono stage for MM cartridges, and he also has a SUT for MC cartridges.  I purchased the Gold version two years ago based on a review and was stunned by SQ it produces from some “audiophile” LPs of the 1980s, including Sheffield  and. Couple of 45 rpm LPs.  And that is working with my Thorens TD126 MKII, which I purchased new in Europe in the 1970s and had refurbed and an Audio-Technica VM540ML.  Price for his Phono stages range from about $500 for the base model to just over $1000 for his Gold model.  I have no connection with the company other than being a normal customer.

 

https://www.loungeaudio.com/lcr-series

kennyc
2,854 posts
 

I picked up a second hand VDH Grail SB because MFremer said the basic Grail was a sleeper bargain and that transimpedience is quieter than voltage phonos.

@dwette The Boulder 2108 is more than a $40k jump so I don’t see that at all in my future.

I can relate. I feel the same way about their 2xxx amps which would be my end game.  I’m hoping that my just purchased second hand Audionet Humboldt will get me there as my stab into top SS Sonics within budget.  

dwette
534 posts
 

@kennyc If I have an unexpected windfall I can see replacing my Naim 252/300 with a Boulder 1110/1163 (or even some 1151 monoblocks) to keep my Boulder 1108 company. Probably not though.

kennyc
2,854 posts
 

Notable phonos (prices not current):

  • 1.6 Tritschler Precision Engineering 2200 phono
  • 1.7 Schiit Stjarna 
  • 1.7 Austin AudioWorks Black Swan- highly adjustable 
  • 2.5 PS Audio Stellar Phono (buy audio magic ultimate beeswax shd fuse $225- big improvements)                                              
  • 3.0 Paradox Phono 70 Signature             
  • 3.3 Belleson Radiance phono 
  • 4.0 Lehmann Decade Jubilee  - Fremer      
  • 4.0 TRON Convergence Signature Phonostage
  • 5.2 Channel D Lino C 3.3 phono               
  • 5.2 Esoteric E-02            
  • 5.8 Grimm Audio PW1 - Fremer bargain
kennyc
2,854 posts
 

High value tube phonos maybe second hand:

  • Coincident Statement Phono
  • Rogers PA-2
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