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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
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 

goodlistening64
415 posts
 

@audphile1 

There are a ton of phono preamps that offer 70db and above. Project, Moon, Chord, Musical Fidelity, Dynavector, Elac. Sutherland, Clearaudio...all of them have offerings over 70db of gain. Trending up over the past few years..gain is all the rage..

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,879 posts
 

@smodking1 DS Audio makes only optical cartridges and their phono equalizers only support optical cartridges. Extremely cool tech, great sound. 
 

@goodlistening64 yep I’m current on phono stages. My Whest has up to 70db gain. Sutherland 20/20 Mk2 I had maxed out at 64db. Important to check loading and gain with a phono stage you buy to make sure it works with your cartridge. 
 

@signaforce I’m glad to report the Umami Blue has been improving steadily. Now at about 8-10hr of play it is filling in nicely. Stressful for the first 5hrs for sure. :)

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