Best phono stage?

[Dave777tx]

I really appreciate the feedback and I hope I get more in the next days.
Feb 6 I will fly to test the Tech Das and Kronos. I will definitely post some photos

 

[byrdparis]

Aries Cerat it’s out of my budget but I belive if you tell my it’s the best. CH was on on my list but I will check it out

AC have Phono stages begin at 26K euro up to 160K... so the first one in line (also two chassis) is a bit lower in price then the CHP P1 but a lot less accommodate... but its A VERY good and musical phono stage. one of the best money can buy.

 

[Dave777tx]

AC have Phono stages begin at 26K euro up to 160K... so the first one in line (also two chassis) is a bit lower in price then the CHP P1 but a lot less accommodate... but its A VERY good and musical phono stage. one of the best money can buy.

Is there any dealer in US for AC?

 

[byrdparis]

Is there any dealer in US for AC?

sure.
@Believe High Fidelity
he might help you out all consider AC

 

[Argonaut]

Someone ask about the cartridge, I have a good opportunity on the My Sonic Lab Gold, I’d like to hear the Etsuro Gold but I don’t have a chance for the moment I like dynamics and speed but not to the point of being analytic. Magic and musicality it’s the most importan. I

DaVa on a pivot … Top Wing Red Sparrow on a linear tracker

 

[Bobvin]

An under-the-radar excellent phono stage is the CS Port C3EQM2. Not as flexible as some, does not have adjustable curves, has a MC input with an internal step-up, and two MM inputs allow you to customize with your choice of SUT. Also no where near the lofty prices as some already mentioned. Uses the same C3g tube as Ypsilon (also makes a great phono) — an extremely linear tube so reliable it is soldered on. MikeL used one for a good long while, and I use one currently. An great value phono stage punching far above its weight.

A couple friends have VAC phonos, also great value phono stages with flexibility for gain and loading. The Renaissance SE gives an elevated performance with some internal parts upgrades same as the Statement Phono.

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

its really depend on which cartridge(s) you will end up with, and the type of music that you will like to listen through your vinyl.
so you can do what is best for this "specific" CR.
but,
if you want SOTA phono stage that will be fit almost any high end CR on the planet and have a very balanced character and sound -
is the CH Precision P1. it have 3 inputs, a lot of gain to push everything and almost any configuration you will need and want in one point or another.

is there any more musical ones? of course. i know one its considerably more from your list even.
is there any less expensive ones that still very good? of course...
i bet some of us will tell you they have a "better one"... no doubt. i agree they have for them.
but no one can take what the P1 is offering to the world from his debut. in my book it is almost the ultimate phono stage there is.
and if i will need to choose one to be my everlasting phono stage, it will be the P1.

GL

a

Love my P1 and now I have the X1 for it, it's an amazing Phono Stage.
Can't imagine what a 2 x P1 and 2 x X1 or even a CH P10 sounds ? I bet either are phenomenal !
Maybe one day I will have the 2 x P1 and 2 x X1 combo (or even a second hand P10 in the more distant future ! )

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Damn I will start checking CH it seems a lot of people like them

A MSL cartridge will be a great match for the current / transimpedance input of a CH P1 as they have very low internal impedances.
I have the MSL Eminent Ex connected to my P1 and it's fantastic. I can imagine that the MSL Gold Signature would be sublime sounding with the P1 !

Regarding TT's if you are looking at used Kronos Pro and Tech Das TTs, as a suggestion have a look at the Kuzma range of TTs and Tonearms. I love my XL DC with 4Point 11" TT set-up (top quality, solid engineering with very little to go wrong with it, relatively easy to set-up and kept set-up for optimal performance and to my eyes my XL DC looks fantastic). As long as you have a solid surface to mount it on (as it's very heavy) which also takes care of any ambient air and structural vibrations your good to go !

 

[shakti]

Hi Guys, I am new to vinyl and I am setting my first turntable. I got the opportunity to get a used Tech Das Air Force III that I am going to listen soon, my second option is Kronos Pro. But my real hassle is the phono stage. I probably will get the Vandelhult Grail SE+ but evaluating options. I could spend more on phone but I don’t want to till I learn a little more. What do you think are the best phonos in the market. Soulution 750 and 55? Aries Cerat? VAC? Golmund? Boulder? JMF?
my system consist basically of Gryphon Essence amp + Gryphon Pandora Pre amp and Wilson Audio Sasha DAW
As a note I love dynamics but I hate brightness right now my system is very well balanced for digital

if you get with your Lampi DAC a balanced and well received sound, you will found with the following Phonostages a similar signature:

Allnic H-7000v

Phasemation EA-1200

if your budget will give you the freedom:

Allnic H-8000 DHT

Phasemation EA-2000

Air Tight ATE 3011 plus Kondo SFZ step up

EMT JPA 66


CHP, Boulder, JMF are in a complete different camp

 

[Dave777tx]

if you get with your Lampi DAC a balanced and well received sound, you will found with the following Phonostages a similar signature:

Allnic H-7000v

Phasemation EA-1200

if your budget will give you the freedom:

Allnic H-8000 DHT

Phasemation EA-2000

Air Tight ATE 3011 plus Kondo SFZ step up

EMT JPA 66


CHP, Boulder, JMF are in a complete different camp

Thanks!

Can you elaborated what you mean in a different camp?

I am also considering the Doshi

 

[Another Johnson]

@Dave777tx - your about page says you’ve got an ARC REF 6SE preamp. I have one too, although I’m running a Burmester 088 at the moment.

To my ears, the ARC REF Phono 3SE is a synergistic match with the REF 6SE, and the REF Phono 10 even more so.

Why not at the least give a current model ARC Reference level phono preamp a serious listen?

FWIW, I like the REF Phono 3SE a LOT better than the MC phono built into the 088.

 

[DasguteOhr]

Wall audio ph 110 flexible setting options, very good tube phono with strong balanced output stage.

 

[Dave777tx]

@Dave777tx - your about page says you’ve got an ARC REF 6SE preamp. I have one too, although I’m running a Burmester 088 at the moment.

To my ears, the ARC REF Phono 3SE is a synergistic match with the REF 6SE, and the REF Phono 10 even more so.

Why not at the least give a current model ARC Reference level phono preamp a serious listen?

FWIW, I like the REF Phono 3SE a LOT better than the MC phono built into the 088.

Thanks!! I need to update my system bio I guess. I had ARC, now I have Gryphon Essence and Gryphon Pandora. I really like ARC when I had it though. I want something I can use with future pre amps, since I like to play a lot with the system. Thanks

 

[Dave777tx]

Wall audio ph 110 flexible setting options, very good tube phono with strong balanced output stage. View attachment 123792

Looks great! I could not fond a lot of info on the web, where is made? price range> Is it available in USA?
Thanks

 

[Porsche]

Burmester makes a wonderful phono stage

 

[Dave777tx]

Burmester makes a wonderful phono stage

I will try to test it next week

 

[Another Johnson]

Burmester makes a wonderful phono stage

Yes they do. The stand alone unit is really very good. It is priced close to the Ref Phono 10.
https://www.paragonsns.com/products/burmester-100-phono-preamplifier

The modular unit that can be installed in the 088 is not as good as the Ref Phono 3SE to my ears in my system. YMMV.

 

[Dave777tx]

if you get with your Lampi DAC a balanced and well received sound, you will found with the following Phonostages a similar signature:

Allnic H-7000v

Phasemation EA-1200

if your budget will give you the freedom:

Allnic H-8000 DHT

Phasemation EA-2000

Air Tight ATE 3011 plus Kondo SFZ step up

EMT JPA 66


CHP, Boulder, JMF are in a complete different camp

I’d also appreciate more detail on your suggestions please. Phasemation is in my list, but I don’t know the difference betweem Allnic, Air Tight? Is moshi a good option?

 

[DasguteOhr]

Looks great! I could not fond a lot of info on the web, where is made? price range> Is it available in USA?
Thanks

OPUS 110 PH | Wall Audio Tube Technology

OPUS 110 PH Phono Preamplifier. Der OPUS 110 PH ist die Weiterführung der Entwicklung des OPUS 88. An unseren neuen Phonovorverstärker können Sie bis zu...

www.wallaudio.de

USA​

Highend-Electronics, Inc. | 19593 Roanoke Road | USA – Apple Valley, CA 92307 | Fon: +1 (760) 4902410 | office@highend-electronics.com
market price ~ 6 k€ that what i know

 

[Hyperion]

I can add some general advice and experiences with a couple of the brands and products recently mentioned where we're carrying CH Precision, Boulder, Allnic, Phasemation, Ypsilon and more.

CH Precision P1. This is one of the most advanced and versatile phono preamps that I know. A true "Swiss army knife" that can handle anything with access to all settings on the fly with inputs for up to three tonearms. The P1 is dead quiet, uncolored and unrestricted. It's a setup and forget unit with full flexibility which draws very little if any attention to itself.

Allnic. These are amongst the very best tube based phono pre amps out there offering a generous range of options - from the more affordable all the way up into the stratosphere. Allnic offers a very mature and refined tube sound - open, resolved, generous and dynamic.

Phasemation. I'm happy to see that this manufacturer is getting more and more attention being one of the most experienced within the analogue field in general. These are very genuine and understated designs where simplicity and purity is key rather than extensive features.

Ypsilon VPS-100. One of most well built, timeless and well balanced phono preamps out there still.

I'm also intrigued by the new Conrad Johnson ART phono which I still haven't had the pleasure of experiencing.

/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se