@lewm my phono stage is very quiet - no issues with higher gain.
in my experience though, with all the phono stages I owned, the higher gain is going to result in a more forward sound and a loss of a soundstage depth.
The overall sensitivity of preamp or integrated amp matters but higher gain always sounds more artificial to me and not as relaxed. it is never a volume position on the preamp or integrated amp that matters, but the phono stage gain.
Phono stages I tried this with are Sutherland 20/20 Mk2 and my current Whest Two.2. Cartridge was in both cases Hana ML with 0.4mv output.
Same result, with different downstream components.
I’m w big fan of ARC gear and would love to try that ARC though. Will need to figure out a way.
Phono Stage - Gold Note PH -10 & PSU 10 power supply ? or comparable
I'm upgrading my tube ARC pre-amp and looking for your experience with Phono Stage units, please. Although I've had several pre-amps, I haven't had a pre-amp that's only line stage and a separate phono stage unit. Love my vinyl and have a $5K MC Cartridge Considering Gold Note. Perhaps the PH-10 or PH-5.2 w/respective power supplies.
My TT rig is ~ $14k and considering a ~$20K list pre amp but they're all line stage only.
Is $ 4.5K-$5 a good target price point for a phono stage?
I really don't want to go to $7-10K+ range.
What is a good price pt. guideline for a better phone stage?
Looking for recommendations and guidance
Thanks
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blue_strat- Guessing your previous tubed ARC linestage had phonostage, so you were hearing a tubed presentation? With that in mind, you won't be hearing the "tube magic" with any SS unit. Maybe the "finest/SOTA" approach this, but that's not you're looking for. macg19 comments are telling: "I sold my PH-10 & PSU-10 after buying a $650 Softone Model 4 on a whim to pair with my MSL Platinum. It wasn’t a close contest, Running NOS Mullard’s but also got great results with RCA triple micas. its not pretty but the mute button is great and its as quiet as the GoldNote." Waiting for someone tube curious: Softone Model4 Phono Stage (120 Volt) For Sale - US Audio Mart As others suggested synergy won't get any better than ARC phono. New tubed @$5K - I use this PrimaLuna EVO 100 Phonostage - The Absolute Sound If you're MIC averse not for you. Otherwise on par with any real tube phono units out there-maybe "better" in some areas? Used- |
- 36 posts total