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A new phono stage

Soliciting feedback on phono stages. I know, the best way is to audition each candidate in my system, but this is difficult where I live.

I'm presently using a highly modified Counterpoint SA-5.1 for the phono stage, into Lamm L2 preamp, Counterpoint SA-20 amp, and Alon Circe speakers. The source is a Micro Seiki RX1500 / SME 3012R / Shelter 901. I want to replace the SA-5.1 with a dedicated phono stage and use the 5.1 in my second system.

My criteria:
- tube or ss is ok
- highly reliable (prefer less tubes to more)
- very low noise
- remote control NOT necessary
- multiple inputs NOT necessary
- signal purity preferred to convenience (while I recognize the convenience of front panel adjustable loading, I am willing to remove the cover and insert a resistor myself for the sake of signal purity).
- > 60dB gain, prefer w/o mc step-up transformer (*this is difficult!)

My list of candidates:
Lamm LP2, Pass Xono, TE Groove or Micro Groove, EAR 834P (with Thoerston parts and circuit modification). I realize that all of these do not meet all of my criteria.

can anyone with direct exposure to these units share their experience? Even better if you have compared units in a controlled setting.
skushino
skushino OP
91 posts
 
Thanks to all here for sharing. Also for inputs on phono stages I had not considered - you have some great ideas.

I have closure now, because an EAR 834P became available yesterday, in the version I wanted (no volume or mc transformers, seldom seen here), at a fair price. I bought it. It was coincidence that I found this unit the same day as this post.

No - I don't expect that the EAR will go toe-to-toe with the Lamms, Xonos, Grooves, etc. But it is a classic product, and one that I can afford to keep as a benchmark and reference to compare with others in the future.

I plan to roll some tubes (Telefunkens) do some of the Thorsten mods (coupling caps, etc), which many report having good results. Some say the modified EAR is on the same level or better sounding than some of the others listed here. I am skeptical, but it will be a fun experiment to listen for myself!

Again, thanks for sharing - I really appreciate it!

scott
kel34
64 posts
 
Hi Skushino

I have an EAR834P with a lot of mod work very similar to the Thoerston mods. In fact the guy that did it used them as a guidline for many of the changes he made to it. This preamp is fairly cheap used and can be improved upon in so many different ways for a modest price.

The modded unit is light years ahead of a stock unit...in fact not even close for that matter and is the last phonostage I will ever need.
skushino OP
91 posts
 
Well, the EAR 834P sale fell through (buyer withdrew the offer to sell). So I am back where I started.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
How about a Tron preamp with phono on money back terms if you don't like it. I picked up my Tron preamp from Graham Tricker at GT Audio in the UK today. I asked him if he would let US buyers buy one and return it they weren't satisfied. He will, providing the unit is returned in as new condition with the packaging. The preamp comes as a dual mono unit. The only shared components are the mains transformer and choke. The line stage has one valve and the phono stage has one valve 12AX7. All the components are top spec eg input selector USD 90 component price alone! They sound fantastic and they're silent. However, I don't know if your budget will stretch - they're GBP 6000-7000, say USD 12-13k. As you were considering the LAMM, I presume your budget is ok.
sbrown
148 posts
 
Skuskino,
Of the phono stages you list, I have only heard the Lamm and EAR - in two very differenct systems, neither were my own. The phono stage you didn't list and which meets all of your criteria is the Herron. It has, in the MC configuration, 66 db of gain and is hassle free. I'm running it with a ZYX Airy with 0.24mv output and it is dead quite. I have spent hours listening to my friends system with all Lamm electronics. They are certainly good - as they should be for what they cost. However, I don't feel the need to upgrade when I come home and listen to my Herrons.

Regards,

Scott
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