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Best phono preamp? Want world class the best

I recently started to listen to vinyl, my set up is clear audio emotion table/arm grado cartridge. For phono stage I am using an ear834 deluxe.I was happy with what I was hearing on my merlins driven by sim w-5. Until I brought my ear to a show room to compare to new components, on first listening it appeared the same but then I realized there was a sense of life like sound on his $7000.00 martinson phono. This is just to high of a price for me. I am seeking to get the best sound out there, the martinson is solid state so I realized I don't have to go with tubes. My budget is up to $2000.00 for used, BUT I want the best sound possible. I will be upgrading table and cartidge soon.
pedrillo
c123666
871 posts
 
The EAR is a decent unit and should not be hard to improve upon. At the highest levels of performance perhaps one would consider custom solutions tailored to your equipment and listening tastes.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,475 posts
 
Buy the Whest PS.20 Phono in the classifieds for $ 1900.00 and be done for a while. (considering your 2K budget now)
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Buy a s/h Pass Xono. plenty of variable gain so will give you the choice of LOMC, unlimited loading choices and it sounds very very nice.
dmailer's avatar
dmailer
235 posts
 
You may want to try to try and audition the new Artemis phono stage. This phono stage has a very lifelike sound and can compete with some of the best.
clio09
3,341 posts
 
There are several options for you here, both tubed and solid state. I have just gone through a review of several phono stages for my system and learned a lot from the experience. I have recently settled in with a Hagerman Trumpet tubed phono stage which is at $2k, but you'll also need a step-up transformer for it so that will add another $300 or so. Well worth it in my opinion and Hagerman offers a 30 day trial. Another option is Decware which makes some nice phono stages for the money. Their top unit is around $1500 and is also tubed. Decware offers a 30 day trial period as well. I also tested out a Whest phono stage which is a solid state design and does a remarkable job in reproducing the music. These are going used for under $2k.

One other option you might want to consider is upgrading you EAR. Mitch Singerman in LA is legendary for his EAR upgrades and this would be your most cost effective option. If you like the EAR, but want it to sound better in your system then you should contact Mitch and discuss your options with him. One thing for sure, you are not doing your phono stage justice comparing it to a $7k unit, especially when your budget doesn't allow you to upgrade to that level.
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