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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
1,329 posts
 

@tomic601 Cool, and yes I'd appreciate an intro to Steve!

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

"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. "

@macg19 -

Who buys used gear @ listing price?😂

I sure don't!

Published website price is from 2022. Likely a price bump+tariff(15%) if someone purchased new? Hard to believe no increase since then.  Did you buy the new one in the last couple years?

Softone ordering

 

macg19
1,329 posts
 

@tablejockey Not me!

I bought the new one May 2025. Any tariff would be added stateside rather than added to Softone's price.

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

@macg19 

Digging around I see that the Softone isn't a new kid on the block!

2011

Doctorjohn Cheaptubeaudio: Audio Reviews and More: Audio Note Kit Phono amp, Softone/ICL Model 4, Denon AU-1000, K and K LL1678

Amazing the company chose to keep the price real👍

I got the tariff charge (15%) from a Wiki inquiry-which yes, be passed on to the buyer- thanks alot....OH I won't go there!

macg19
1,329 posts
 

It looks like it's from 2011, or maybe even 1911...thanks fo the link

Still a bargain at $900 delivered...maybe that's where the USAM guy got his "list price" from. 

I'm pretty sure the "Company" is 1 or 2 people. Mr. Shoichi Yoshimoto is the owner. Very easy to deal with.

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