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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

blue_strat
macg19
1,320 posts
 

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.

sksos1
429 posts
 

wondering if Gold Note is coming with a PH10.2

I asked the US Importer this same question and he tells me not at this time. But it wouldn't surprise me if by years end they do. Purely a guess on my part.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,677 posts
 

I need to get a softone just on principle… 

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

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-

ModWright PH 9.0X Tube Phono Stage - The Music Room

macg19
1,320 posts
 

@tablejockey  The guy selling the model 4 is trying to get 100% of his money back ($800)  on a used device. List is not $900. It is $650 + $150 expedited shipping to the USA. 

@tomic601 Exactly and why not. Not an expensive exercise. @lalitk told me about the model 4 and said he preferred it over his $9K Allnic. So I bought one and thanked him.

@78sman I'm intrigued by Zesto, so maybe one day but I'd need to compare in my system before I'd change to a much more expensive phono stage.  

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