I am looking to introduce a tube based phono preamp in my system which has balanced inputs, preferably 2 and have balanced outputs. I am looking at BAT VK-P12se. I am looking to spend 5K +/- in used market.. My system is J Sikora reference turntable/ air tight PC-1 /j Sikora KV12 Max arm. My preamp is Gryphon Zena and my amps are Pass labs X600s driving Gryphon Trident II speakers. I am 80% classical (large symphonic) and 20% jazz and vocals. I am looking for a warm, full body, rich , life size scale and dynamic sound. Wonder if you guys have any recommendations? Thanks.
Tube based phono preamp (tube rectification) with balanced inputs and outputs
- Thread starter sstalwar
- Start date
Two balanced inputs on a phono stage will likely limit your choices a bit. My other observation is that $5K used is a bit low relative to the rest of your system. I'm vinyl only so a bit biased but phono preamps wouldn't be the place I'd try to save money.
I’ve owned the Allnic H-3000 in the past, which should be available used at your price. It’s built like a tank, has an external tube rectified power supply, and sounds great (although a bit lean to my ears in my system). The standalone version of my phono pre is the EAR 88PB, but I prefer the sound of a SUT into the MM input over the internal MC. Also, changing the impedance is annoying, since you need to open the case and the jumper is a bit fiddly. Using the SUT avoids that headache.
The Atma-Sphere phono preamps would meet your specifications. Ralph uses a true balanced phono input.
www.atma-sphere.com
www.atma-sphere.com
Atma-Sphere MP-3
Hi-End tube preamplifier featuring Balanced Differential Design. High end balanced valve preamplifier for demanding audiophiles.
www.atma-sphere.com
Atma-Sphere MP-1
Hi-End tube preamplifier featuring Balanced Differential Design. The best tube preamplifier worldwide featuring a patented direct-coupled balanced output.
www.atma-sphere.com
Thanks guys. EAR 88PB does not have balanced input. My j Sikora KV12 Max arm has integrated balanced cable. Also, I find Allnic little too lean as well… just going by monoblock amplifiers that I owned in past. I will look into Modwright PH9. Wonder if anyone has experience with modwright and BAT P12se and atmosphere. How would you describe the sonics relative to each other. I do need quiet and warm - full body presentation with all balanced interface. Purely reading forum impressions, Aesthetix may not excel in quietness and ARC may be little too neutral / lean. Thanks for the insight you guys might have.
IME, the Modwright sits between a SS and full tube amp.
You can roll the tubes and rectifier to suit you.
Dan and the folks at Modwright are always quick to answer emails and any questions you have; customer service is excellent! For tech issues I've always talked to Dan himself.
Another option I forgot is a Zesto Andros which I think is right at your budget.
You can roll the tubes and rectifier to suit you.
Dan and the folks at Modwright are always quick to answer emails and any questions you have; customer service is excellent! For tech issues I've always talked to Dan himself.
Another option I forgot is a Zesto Andros which I think is right at your budget.
I reviewed and owned the Atma-Sphere MP-1. It is a dual mono, fully balanced pre-amp with XLR inputs for your tonearm cable and 2 pair of XLR outputs. RCA phono inputs and outputs are optional. It uses no output transformers (OTL) and no output capacitors (OCL). It is an all tube preamp with 5 12AT7s in the phono section and 3 6SN7s in the line stage -- per channel. This a two box unit with separate power supply. It is very transparent.
Having the XLR phono input requirement is very unusual, albeit given that a phono cartridge is an inherently balanced device. It will accomodate 0.2mv+ moving coils as well as MM cartridges.
"It was no warmer, cooler, lighter, darker, or sweeter than the music it transmitted. ... The MP-1 Mk III was as close to neutral, as close to the timbral quality of the source, as possible."
The Atma-Sphere MP3 is similar in configuration, uses only a single box and costs less. I have not heard it.
You should have a look at NAT Signature Phono Nuvistor. It has balanced output, has 2 se inputs (mc and mm), has balanced input switch and when combining with NAT’s step up which also has balanced input your criteria could be met. Maybe a bit above your budget if buying used. If 2 balanced inputs are necessary, you can have a look at NAT Vacuum IN but more expensive and more difficult to find used. I have owned Sig Phono Nuvistor for 2 years and must say I am very happy with it. Highly musical, organic and transparent at the same time.
Thanks all. Lampizator VP4 doesn't have balanced interface. I will start reading about Zestos, Atmosphere along with BAT and modwright. Also, looks like 5K doesn't get the most of what I want... Any suggestions above this price point ..say up to 10K?
A used Aesthetix Io with 2 power supplies would fit the bill , always a couple of them in the used market for $ 10-15 K. Amazing sound ! Quiet with the right tubes.
A used Aesthetix Io with 2 power supplies would fit the bill , always a couple of them in the used market for $ 10-15 K. Amazing sound ! Quiet with the right tubes.
I would recommend the Io only if sstalwar is located in the US
You can get balanced as an option. I have it, but maybe only for the output. You could ask them about input as well. They are handmade
A used Aesthetix Io with 2 power supplies would fit the bill , always a couple of them in the used market for $ 10-15 K. Amazing sound ! Quiet with the right tubes.
Whilst the Io does play its part in an excellent signal chain … how many times has yours gone Boom ?
A good local repair guy has worked out for me, he has fixed it every time, and turnaround time is down too a couple of weeks now. He knows the circuits by now.I would recommend the Io only if sstalwar is located in the US
A good local repair guy has worked out for me, he has fixed it every time, and turnaround time is down too a couple of weeks now. He knows the circuits by now.
You can start a business directing people on this forum to him. That way your tag will change to industry expert
A good local repair guy has worked out for me, he has fixed it every time, and turnaround time is down too a couple of weeks now. He knows the circuits by now.
Hardly the point when recommending kit to others tho is it !
I don't think he wants more than mine in his repair stable, he keeps telling me it will break again, i should sell it.
But i am stubborn, and it sounds great.Similar threads
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