Developing A Short List For A Phono Stage


Current phono stages are a Esoteric E-03 that has a Transfiguration Audio Proteus and Kiseki Blackheart Gen 1 going into it. Second phono stage is a deluxe Pete Millet with a HO Benz Micro Glider going into it. 

I have a Denon DP75 and DP80 getting ready to be used. One cartridge is a Sumiko Blackbird Lo, the second one is not picket out yet, but will be a LOMC most likely. 

My preamp has only one set of XLR inputs available now. 

So the phono stage should have 2 inputs, and XLR outputs.

I do not mind shopping the used market. I need a quality phono stage, but does not need to be a flagship model, as these two tables are nice but not my reference ones. Well the DP80 could be one once done, so maybe I rebalance the system after that. 

 

Have any candidates that meet these parameters? 

neonknight

@neonknight 

You might consider a Sumiko Talisman S, sapphire tube, Van Den Hul Line Contact, I bought mine used, got lucky, love it.

sep 30db; bal 0.5db lomc 0.26mV, coil 9.2 ohms

I was curious about your Blackbird, this came up

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bare-cartridge-design-sumiko-blackbird-low-output

am I the only one who misses Chakster?