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Tube Phono kits

Just wanted to hear from inmates on which TUBE PHONO KITS they would recommend. AES PH-1 (Cary Audio), $500-600 Cornet 2 (Hagerman Tech.),$500-700 Tercel (BlueBerry), or $1200-1500 K & K audio?

Hoping someone in this Audio community has done some comparison in one way or the other. I currently have the AES Ph-1 which I built 4 yrs ago. Quite happy with it but
I need more gain! Yes...Gain. This puppy is rated at 36 dB gain while the majority of what I research are in the 40+ dBs. (Buying another cartridge with higher output is not a route for me to take at this point. I'm using a Grado prestige gold with my Linny.

I've heard good reviews of the Cornet2 however, would this be an upgrade from my existing AES PH-1 (with regards to S/N & sonics?)

Would love to hear from experiences here at Agon.

Thanks in advance. Price is no object as long as they are TUBE based KITS... Not interested in used name-brand units.
I love to build my own..
jojazz402
clio09
3,345 posts
 
The Cornet would be an upgrade IMO, and if you're looking for a real killer, get the K&K kit.
divo
60 posts
 
The K&K easily surpasses the Hagerman Trumpet also.
Superb design.
clio09
3,345 posts
 
Divo, I wouldn't say the K&K easily surpasses the Hargerman Trumpet. I have had both in my system and each has its positives and negatives in comparison to one another. Overall the differences were pretty subtle. The K&K SE is quieter, with tighter bass, and is a bit more dynamic. However, in comparison to the Trumpet the soundstage is a bit smaller. The Trumpet had better mids and high end extension. I would say the biggest negative of the Trumpet in my system had nothing to do with the sound, but rather its footprint. It was hard to place, which is why the K&K is now in my system as it easily fits on a rack and does offer a MC option, another bonus.
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