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Phono Stage

I am getting near the end of my current system journey.  I have my digital (streaming) side set (for now). It sounds glorious to my old hearing aid assisted ears. And streaming is where I spend the vast majority of my listening. 
Regardless, I am now focusing on vinyl, with the recent addition of a P8. 
My analog side: Rega P8 w/ Hana ML > Rega Aria > Kimber KS1018 > BHK pre > Zavfino Fusion mk2 > Moon 330A > Transparent + > KEF Ref 3’s. If do a weak link analysis both chatGPT & Gemini say it  my phono stage.

So looking for potential replacements. As always I am very space constrained, (half wides are perfect) no tubes and looking to stay under $3,000 used. I like accuracy, clarity & cleanliness. 
My current candidates: 
Rega AOS

Gold Note PH10

Sutherland 20/20 w/LPS

Sutherland Little Loco

The Sutherland’s work because they are thin and con fit under my raised center channel speaker. The duo stack is too high  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

signaforce
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,880 posts
 

@goodlistening64 i would keep in mind the Rega recommendation for gain is most likely a product of their design with an all Rega system as a whole for synergy. 
I wouldn’t obsess over that 69.5db gain setting that doesn’t exist outside of Rega phono stages. Just my $0.02

dmk_calgary
178 posts
 

Austin audio works? Schitt? Also check out Stereophile recommended components. Enjoy the search!

smodking1
15 posts
 

Consider DS Audio. 
 

DS Audio phono “preamps” are half width. 
 

Audio quality is amazing. 

An extremely small stylus is used which gets below much of the surface noise/scratches for very quiet backgrounds.

goodlistening64
415 posts
 

@audphile1 

I understand. The Aria would get me to that all-Rega system synergy. Heck, I've even got the Rega phono cable.

Didn't see it coming. After I purchased a DDC last year my analog rig is of lesser importance. I had similar thoughts that align with signaforce and even craved a Hana cartridge. The DDC took the rack space I used for the Nova III, so I am OK with taking a step in a different direction. Typically, I shoot for the moon, but feel the need to simplify and perhaps even become more cost conscious, which is unusual..angel

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
547 posts
 

@goodlistening64 If and when I buy a new phono stage, I would be happy to do a try & buy. Thanks!

@smodking1 Maybe I am missing something, but the DS Audio products look like expensive cartridge/ phono stage combos. Looks like very nice stuff. Thanks 
@dmk_calgary I am sure there are some, but never found a Schiit product I liked. 
Austin audio works: probably great, but definitely the ugly duckling. Always do look at Stereophile recommended list. I also go back a couple years. Thanks 

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