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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
1,330 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
1,330 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.

blue_strat OP
27 posts
 

Has anyone tried the ModWright 9.0 with XT upgrades?
I'm inclined toward tubes. This unit seems to have a narrow market

Thanks

dirkbusche
24 posts
 

Keep the PH 10 with the LPSU—it’s a great phonostage. And get yourself a high-quality MC preamp and an Ortofon SPU—the vinyl sound quality is incredible. Ever since I’ve had the SUT on my PH 10, my SPUs, Denon DL 103, and Koetsu Rosewood have been sounding exactly the way I’ve always dreamed they would.

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