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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,695 posts
 

@neonknight 

I learned here and bought the Acos Lustre GST-1, so glad I did. 

It has the smoothest VTA on the fly I have ever experienced, we don't really need OTF, except perfectionists, but it is quite nice when I change headshells, especially as it's my rear arm.

I'm lucky, I have two OEM headshells and they have azimuth adjustment. One, the screw is frozen, wish it was an allen head. I'm gonna have Steve or Ray at VAS change it to a new allen head that works. Maybe I'll have him change both now that I'm thinking about it.

jmrrobbie1
78 posts
 

One the older FM Acoustics for sale:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650293525-fm-acoustics-resolution-122-phono-with-upgraded-full-of-red-black-gate-capacitors-and-power-supply/

ho249's avatar
ho249
85 posts
 

One of these might work for you:

Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2:

https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/phono-box-rs2/

I have one of these, and am very happy with it. It has 2 sets of inputs (one is XLR) and 2 sets of outputs (one is XLR).

Austin Audio Works Black Swan (may be out of stock):

https://austinaudioworks.com/black-swan/#BlackSwanDescription

It has 3 sets of RCA inputs (MM x2, MC x1) and 2 sets of outputs (one is XLR). 

 

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