Modwright PH 9.0XT
https://www.modwright.com/products/ph-9-0-ph-9-0x-ph-9-0xt-tube-phono-stage/
or a PH-150
End Game Phono Preamp (tube)
Before you say ALLNIC a few caveats - I will only be using one TT so only need one input (MC). ALLNIC has up to 4 which is a lot of extra engineering I don't need and don't want to pay for. I'm coming from a very much loved Hagerman Trumpet MC with all the finest (to my ears) NOS tubes, external linear power supply, upgraded footers. It sounds terrific but I just have to scratch that itch to see if I can do better. If the only improvement I'll be getting by going up the food chain is less hiss, well, I can live with the existing hiss truthfully. I'd be expecting improved imaging, depth, resolution, cymbal decay beauty. Maybe I have it all now... if anyone has first hand experience with the Trumpet and can with an informed opinion offer a better option I'm all ears (hehe).
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+1 @mofimadness Coincident Statement Phonostage tube Zesto is great with a very low noise floor but it has multiple inputs. NVO SPA-II Is an older phono pre has garnered good reviews, but company seems out of business as I could not find their webpage I know Aric Audio makes great line preamps, their phono only has 1 input. Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about the unused inputs, or you’d be limiting your choices. I’d simply be interested in cost/performance with enough inputs. |
To be clear, I wouldn’t rule out the best option because it has multiple inputs. I suppose I mean to say the "goldilocks" answer would be a simpler unit. Also I tend to switch over carts a lot (one of the reasons I’m very happily sticking with my SL1200G) so ease of switching loading/gain is preferred (soldering resistors is a no go! So are dip switches located inside the unit). For reference my carts are AT ART20, AT ART1000x, VDH Colibri Strad XGW, ZYX UNIverse III. I would consider setting the Trumpet to MM setting and putting a high end SUT in front if folks felt that was the best option. I do futz with loading a fair bit though so I wonder if the limitation with the SUT and MM setting would be too limiting? Doing some additional research, I think I REALLY like the ModWright PH 150, thoughts? It ticks all the boxes for me: Tube. Easy adjustments. Potential end game unit. Competitive price (compared to Allnic, etc). |
- 70 posts total