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Tube Phono Stage Help

I have a Whest TWO that I am auditioning with a 30 trial period. My ultimate goal was a Fosgate but I decided to order a Spectron amp and that cut my funds short.

I like the Whest and compared to my entry level Vincent it is a vast improvement. Deeper tighter base, open soundstage and tonally accurate. Sounds a little lean on some recordings-maybe I am too critical?

Is there a tube phono stage for around $1200 new or used that can be recommended to "warm" up the sound on some of these lean rock albums? The rest of my setup: Rega Planar 2, Ortofon Blue 2M, Cary SLP03 Preampo, B&W 802D powered by a Cary Cinema amp.
stl114_nj
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I had the Jolida and felt it was very nice phono stage. Then I moved to the EAR 834p and felt this was a noticeable improvement, albeit for more $.
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I purchased the Jolida for 15% off the $450 price, so I couldnt resist. I see that it can be modded so there is an upgrade path for the future.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
I did a full on Jolida Mod replacing 90% or so of the parts in all circuits etcÂ… You can see it on the link.
Good luck

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62730.msg986061#msg986061
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
I got rid of the Jolida since it never settled in. My Whest blew it away easily. Thinking about the Fosgate and Parasound JC3 though....
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