Any particular reason to exclude Pro-Ject? I have their Tube Box DS3 B - using with my balanced wired tonearm and am very pleased with it.
Tube Phono Stage Recommendations
Hey,
Lately I been getting the itch to try a tube phono stage.
So, I wanted to reach out to get some recommendations.
Budget would be $2K or lower.
I am aware of the following that usually get good reviews and recommendations:
- Hagerman Trumpet MC
- Decware ZP3 (Looks like a real hardcore tube phono stage)
- Tavish (although not sure if they are producing at the moment)
- Black Ice Audio
- Schiit STJARNA
These are some that I am not really considering:
- Pro-Ject
- EAT
Any others that can be recommended that maybe I am not aware of?
Thanks
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- 41 posts total
Unless you’re buying used the Black Ice Audio Fusion 9 MKIII Tube Phono Preamplifier and Fusion F159 Tube Phono Preamplifier are currently out of production. The Fusion 9 MKIII does not use tubes in the active stages, only in the output where they’re only intended to color the sound before it reaches your line input just like the Vincent mentioned earlier in this thread. @technomagus mentions the Pro-Ject which is a legitimate tube phono stage but beware of others in their line that only use tubes in the output stage. +1 for the Icon Audio with an SUT also there is the PS1 MKII and a Signature version that has Mundorf silver, gold and oil coupling caps, and Genalex Gold Lion 12ax7LPS/B759 tubes. |
A couple of you asked why I am turning away from the Pro-Ject Phono Amps. No hate towards them but for some reason they just don't appeal to me intially. I have not heard any of them but then I haven't heard any of the others either and it all starts with something that appeals to you. And I think I am referring to the Tube Phono's from Pro-Ject not their SS line. I guess I feel that they are not going to provide the same level of performance as other phono amps that have been recommended and if I am going to take a chance on one, it will probably be one of the others that have been recommended. That's my honest response. Maybe If I get to hear one somewhere and see it up close perhaps I will have a different impression and opinion. Thanks |
I don't usually do recommendation, I prefer consider for a audition, where one has the experience first. Whilst reading about Cart's of a certain design, the merit given to the Phonostage used caught my attention, hence it is now to be seen in the Link. Even though not referenced in earlier Posts, at the price and the knowing they do do create 'closed won' sales in the US and Canada, the Model is worthwhile learning about. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650220052-lab12-melto2-phono-preamp/ |
- 41 posts total