Phono stages - Rega Aura vs Luxman EQ 500
Hi guys,
I just recently upgraded my vinyl rig to a Rega P8 and Aphelion 2 cartridge. Now it’s time to look at a new phono. Currently, I have a Pass XONO but I feel my new table/cartridge could benefit from an upgrade from the 20+ year old Pass.
Two phonos that have caught my eye are the Rega Aura and Luxman EQ 500. I have briefly heard the Aura (and liked it) but a couple friends told me the Lux is wonderful. I unfortunately cannot hear the Lux (before purchasing) as it’s now discontinued. Has anyone heard or compared these 2 exquisite phono stages?
I know many will want to share their favorite phonos but right now I would like to hear only from those who have direct knowledge of one or both phonos.
Also, I just have one table, so the extra inputs on the Lux are really not important to me, just the sound quality.
I have the Rega Naia with Aphelion 2 cartridge. That being said I have a second non-Rega turntable with a soundsmith sussuro cart on it and the Gold Note PH-1000 performs best on that one. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I would not consider any phono stage that did not have a MM input. Even if you intend to use it with a MC or a low output MI cartridge, you might want to try an external SUT. Or you might inherit a whole bunch of old records and need a less expensive MM cartridge because they are not pristine enough to want to use your very expensive MC cartridge. Believe me, flexibility is desirable. The Luxman offers a lot of flexibility. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There is a less expensive Luxman E-250, rear panel switches and jumpers (far easier than internal), two inputs https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=luxman+e-250+phono and a Luxman E-07, if you want XLR connectors I would check all the Luxman options I didn't know about, more research, then get lucky
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Consider upgrading the Pass. Here's what AI tells us about it: The XONO is one of those beautifully over‑built Nelson Pass designs where the architecture is already world‑class, but the parts quality is the limiting factor, not the circuit. the Pass Labs XONO can be upgraded, and when it’s done intelligently, it can perform at a level far beyond stock. . .and the pass is a great looking phono stage. Here's BOM for your upgrade:
Alternatively, you can find a BAT VK-P5 for just north of $1000 that in stock form, will perform better than your pass; however, the you can upgrade the BAT to perform at least as well as the Luxman and in some areas bettter. I suspect that the most cost effective approach is to upgrade what you have unless you want to move to tubes. Bottom line upgrade your already fine unit to max out it's performance and keep so cash in your wallet. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Here's the BOM. It didn't paste the way I expected it to:
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