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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
sls883
1,056 posts
 

I'm by no means a vinyl expert, but I get good results from my Sutherland TZ Vibe and Hana ML cartridge.  It's a small unit.  Only works with low output moving coil.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
547 posts
 

@audphile1 I would have to really change my listening habits to get a new cart burned in. Yikes. @mdalton thanks! @sls883 Thanks!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,877 posts
 

@signaforce It’s awesome right out of the box so nothing to worry about. I’ve just been listening too closely for every little change. It sounds amazing. 

faustuss's avatar
faustuss
815 posts
 

@signaforce 

"Rega carts are not held in high regard by my local dealer that I respect. Their TTs yes, but not their carts. I have actually never heard one, but avoided them based upon their experience."

I'm sure your dealer only knows as much about Rega carts as you do!

mikei
9 posts
 

I agree  with @audphile1. I recently purchased P10 &  Hana Blue as well. 30 plus hours of burn-in and it sounds great!  .... It has for sure  has improved over time,  but I was really happy with the sound from the beginning.

I have Reference 1, Hegel H400 and V10 and was also considering the idea of upgrading my phono, but tbh I think Im pulling back from that idea for now. I'm really happy with the V10 and the synergy of the system as a whole in my room... Don't want to overcook the solution... Maybe it's because I'm still just to new to the hobby, but I'm still interested in hearing the different flavors of other phono or even amp combos for fun. But I guess that itch just always wants to be scratched a little. Good luck! 

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