Best phono stage?

[Atmasphere]

Please, I have 61,100 LPs, CDs, "78s" and R2R tapes. I have a dedicated VPI 19-4 with Ultracraft 4 arm and Grado cartridge/multiple styluses to play my "78s." I'm 69 and began collecting records since I was 3. Do you believe that I don't know how to play a record? I'm also an archivist for two composers and compiled from multiple source material for 11 CDs for the 2005 Erich Zeisl Vienna Centennial. My late friends included Thomas Chandler (1.5 million records) Music Man Murray (900,000 records maybe), Michael Lane (250,000 records, mostly "78s" who had about 35 stylii, co-invented noise suppression devices possibly the Packburn and also built superb sounding electronics) and a half dozen current remastering engineers. Using 35 different styli would permit the greatest reduction in groove noise (also Ward Marston does the same) but I am too busy (lazy) to be like Michael. I do use a Kirmuss ultrasonic cleaner now for "78s", A Sugarcube would be a benefit without hassle.

My surmise that you already knew that was correct then

 

[gleeds]

I know it’s not optimal but magazines and reviewers needs to make a living. Usually you pay them to get an opinion and magazines usually it’s more about advertising so not always is straight forward. Usually reviewers deny when they are not a believers of a product to avoid writing something negative. There are some reviewers that are more objective than others, I do believe Fremer and Jay Audio Lab are the most objective without trashing products but it is also important to consider that they also have personal preferences and that maybe not be yours.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I Nagra doesn’t pay for reviews like CH does, so you won’t see Fremer or others publish reviews.

Hi,

What is your evidence that CH pays for reviews?

 

[gleeds]

I recently received our first phono stage from Trafomatic. The Luna is a two-chassis, Class A, SE tube-driven phono preamplifier. We recently used the Luna in a room that Ron Resnick and I hosted at The California Audio Show. The room featured Westminsterlab electronics and Clarysis speakers. The turntable was a rare 1970s-era Denon DD broadcast model.

As much as my other Trafomatic offerings have exceeded expectations for SQ and value, the Luna has done so by the most significant margin. Accepting up to three single-ended and one balanced inputs. Offering up to 70db of gain and very low noise, the Luna exhibits the mellifluous sound signature Trafomatic is known for, while also offering a wealth of detail and dynamics. This is undoubtedly a function of the circuit and aided overbuilt, separate power supply. In my admittedly biased worldview, while not inexpensive at $21,000, the Luna merits inclusion here, albeit at a price far below that of many of today's top offerings.

The red model with gold accents, shown below, is a beauty; however, our standard offering is an elegant, soft-touch black with a high-gloss white finish.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I've had tube phono stages and pre-amps such as the EAR 864 and 912 where the phono stages were excellent and a subminiature tube phono stage as well. I purchased the EAR 324 phono stage cheap in 2006 and didn't like it until I moved up to an entirely new system. Now, it sounds GREAT, neutral but full bodied as an EAR 912 (for phono only).

It certainly isn't in the same category as the CH Precision or Nagra, neither of which I've heard.

Hi Leo,

I'm confused by this. If you haven't heard the CH or the Nagra , how do you know EAR is not in the same category, unless the only category in question is price?

 

[Ron Resnick]

I recently received our first phono stage from Trafomatic. The Luna is a two-chassis, Class A, SE tube-driven phono preamplifier. We recently used the Luna in a room that Ron Resnick and I hosted at The California Audio Show. The room featured Westminsterlab electronics and Clarysis speakers. The turntable was a rare 1970s-era Denon DD broadcast model.

As much as my other Trafomatic offerings have exceeded expectations for SQ and value, the Luna has done so by the most significant margin. Accepting up to three single-ended and one balanced inputs. Offering up to 70db of gain and very low noise, the Luna exhibits the mellifluous sound signature Trafomatic is known for, while also offering a wealth of detail and dynamics. This is undoubtedly a function of the circuit and aided overbuilt, separate power supply. In my admittedly biased worldview, while not inexpensive at $21,000, the Luna merits inclusion here, albeit at a price far below that of many of today's top offerings.

The red model with gold accents, shown below, is a beauty; however, our standard offering is an elegant, soft-touch black with a high-gloss white finish.


View attachment 155019View attachment 155020

The Luna was wonderful in our room at the T.H.E. Show!

 

[thekong]

I recently received our first phono stage from Trafomatic. The Luna is a two-chassis, Class A, SE tube-driven phono preamplifier. We recently used the Luna in a room that Ron Resnick and I hosted at The California Audio Show. The room featured Westminsterlab electronics and Clarysis speakers. The turntable was a rare 1970s-era Denon DD broadcast model.

As much as my other Trafomatic offerings have exceeded expectations for SQ and value, the Luna has done so by the most significant margin. Accepting up to three single-ended and one balanced inputs. Offering up to 70db of gain and very low noise, the Luna exhibits the mellifluous sound signature Trafomatic is known for, while also offering a wealth of detail and dynamics. This is undoubtedly a function of the circuit and aided overbuilt, separate power supply. In my admittedly biased worldview, while not inexpensive at $21,000, the Luna merits inclusion here, albeit at a price far below that of many of today's top offerings.

The red model with gold accents, shown below, is a beauty; however, our standard offering is an elegant, soft-touch black with a high-gloss white finish.


View attachment 155019View attachment 155020

May I ask which Denon DD was that? Was it the DP100, or DN308? Thanks

 

[Atmasphere]

I recently received our first phono stage from Trafomatic. The Luna is a two-chassis, Class A, SE tube-driven phono preamplifier. We recently used the Luna in a room that Ron Resnick and I hosted at The California Audio Show. The room featured Westminsterlab electronics and Clarysis speakers. The turntable was a rare 1970s-era Denon DD broadcast model.

As much as my other Trafomatic offerings have exceeded expectations for SQ and value, the Luna has done so by the most significant margin. Accepting up to three single-ended and one balanced inputs. Offering up to 70db of gain and very low noise, the Luna exhibits the mellifluous sound signature Trafomatic is known for, while also offering a wealth of detail and dynamics. This is undoubtedly a function of the circuit and aided overbuilt, separate power supply. In my admittedly biased worldview, while not inexpensive at $21,000, the Luna merits inclusion here, albeit at a price far below that of many of today's top offerings.

The red model with gold accents, shown below, is a beauty; however, our standard offering is an elegant, soft-touch black with a high-gloss white finish.


View attachment 155020

If it has an input transformer, do you know why they didn't run the input balanced?

 

[Juiced]

still can't find any info about this phono

Nemesis RIAA Phono Stage - Tron Electric

Once in a lifetime something really special comes along which changes peoples perception of what is possible in terms of performance and quality. Enter the Nemesis! A valve phono amplifier all others will be judged against. RIAA Phono Amplifier It took 5 years to locate all the parts to build...

tron-electric.co.uk

no mentioning of price.
(emailed them and got no response)

no reviews.
no feedbacks.
no owners.

 

[Tangram]

still can't find any info about this phono

Nemesis RIAA Phono Stage - Tron Electric

Once in a lifetime something really special comes along which changes peoples perception of what is possible in terms of performance and quality. Enter the Nemesis! A valve phono amplifier all others will be judged against. RIAA Phono Amplifier It took 5 years to locate all the parts to build...

tron-electric.co.uk

no mentioning of price.
(emailed them and got no response)

no reviews.
no feedbacks.
no owners.

Designer posts as GT Audio on Pinkfish Media but hasn’t discussed the Nemesis since 2021. I suspect you already knew that though.

 

[gleeds]

Jeff Catalano at High Water Sound in NYC will have the information.

 

[gleeds]

The only legit reviewer - in Brazil ?

These products are apples and oranges to a high degree. I personally consider the CH P1 (and certainly the P10) to be one of the very best and highest performing on the market which also offers a lot of configuration options and flexibility. Nagra as well as Ypsilon, Allnic and Phasemation (other SOTA contenders) are all tube based, which will give you a different perspective and experience.

Marcus, my friend, I will add the Trafomatic Luna two chassis Class A balanced phono stage to that list at a considerably lower asking price. I have heard of the Allnic and Ypsilon, and both are very, very good—no experience with CH except perhaps at a show.

 

[G T Audio]

still can't find any info about this phono

Nemesis RIAA Phono Stage - Tron Electric

Once in a lifetime something really special comes along which changes peoples perception of what is possible in terms of performance and quality. Enter the Nemesis! A valve phono amplifier all others will be judged against. RIAA Phono Amplifier It took 5 years to locate all the parts to build...

tron-electric.co.uk

no mentioning of price.
(emailed them and got no response)

no reviews.
no feedbacks.
no owners.

I built the Nemesis range for myself using my 40+ years of experience. It was not intended as a commercial product due to the rare exotic parts used and the huge weight and cost. I don't remember receiving any emails enquiring about the Nemesis otherwise I would have answered. Having said that over the last 12 months I have experienced some broadband issues as a result of our Telecoms provider converting our analogue lines to digital.

If someone wants the Ultimate RIAA phone stage and is prepared for the 6 figure price tag then I might consider making another. Several members on here from the UK have heard it but that was a couple of years back.

 

[Juiced]

I built the Nemesis range for myself using my 40+ years of experience. It was not intended as a commercial product due to the rare exotic parts used and the huge weight and cost. I don't remember receiving any emails enquiring about the Nemesis otherwise I would have answered. Having said that over the last 12 months I have experienced some broadband issues as a result of our Telecoms provider converting our analogue lines to digital.

If someone wants the Ultimate RIAA phone stage and is prepared for the 6 figure price tag then I might consider making another. Several members on here from the UK have heard it but that was a couple of years back.

Thank you for the detailed answer.

I've used the "contact us” page about 6 months ago

Contact us - Tron Electric

tron-electric.co.uk

So there's only one nemesis riaa in existence?

 

[SeagoatLeo]

Hi Leo,

I'm confused by this. If you haven't heard the CH or the Nagra , how do you know EAR is not in the same category, unless the only category in question is price?

I don't; however, the difference in price for the CH Precision P1 is $48,000 and the Nagra is ($4950 for the new Compact which just came out) and the Classic $23,650, the HD $96,250. Based on price and many analog reviews, it appears that top competitors at very significant greater cost are reference quality while the EAR 324 is adequate for something like my high end but not SOTA system. There are just so many lower cost (under $10,000) phono pre-amps now, who knows? My 324 dates back to 2003. Of course, Swiss audio brands are substantially more expensive such as darTzeel, Solution, Goldmund, etc. so a dollar for dollar comparison is not relevant.

Does anyone on WBF use the EAR 324 in a SOTA audio system?

 

[SeagoatLeo]

still can't find any info about this phono

Nemesis RIAA Phono Stage - Tron Electric

Once in a lifetime something really special comes along which changes peoples perception of what is possible in terms of performance and quality. Enter the Nemesis! A valve phono amplifier all others will be judged against. RIAA Phono Amplifier It took 5 years to locate all the parts to build...

tron-electric.co.uk

no mentioning of price.
(emailed them and got no response)

no reviews.
no feedbacks.
no owners.

I read in two searches that only 10 units have been sold to date per three searches. The combo unit weighs 132 lbs. Apparently, SOTA.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Marcus, my friend, I will add the Trafomatic Luna two chassis Class A balanced phono stage to that list at a considerably lower asking price. I have heard of the Allnic and Ypsilon, and both are very, very good—no experience with CH except perhaps at a show.

I was very happy with the Luna in my exhibit room with Gary at T.H.E. Show in June.

 

[XV-1]

I recently received our first phono stage from Trafomatic. The Luna is a two-chassis, Class A, SE tube-driven phono preamplifier. We recently used the Luna in a room that Ron Resnick and I hosted at The California Audio Show. The room featured Westminsterlab electronics and Clarysis speakers. The turntable was a rare 1970s-era Denon DD broadcast model.

As much as my other Trafomatic offerings have exceeded expectations for SQ and value, the Luna has done so by the most significant margin. Accepting up to three single-ended and one balanced inputs. Offering up to 70db of gain and very low noise, the Luna exhibits the mellifluous sound signature Trafomatic is known for, while also offering a wealth of detail and dynamics. This is undoubtedly a function of the circuit and aided overbuilt, separate power supply. In my admittedly biased worldview, while not inexpensive at $21,000, the Luna merits inclusion here, albeit at a price far below that of many of today's top offerings.

The red model with gold accents, shown below, is a beauty; however, our standard offering is an elegant, soft-touch black with a high-gloss white finish.


View attachment 155019View attachment 155020

The phono looks great, except the single ground terminal. I sometimes feel that designers don't actually use their products. trying to connect 3 ground lugs to one terminal is a total PITA.

BTW - how does one switch between inputs? please don't say the toggle switch at the back.

 

[perart1]

still can't find any info about this phono

Nemesis RIAA Phono Stage - Tron Electric

Once in a lifetime something really special comes along which changes peoples perception of what is possible in terms of performance and quality. Enter the Nemesis! A valve phono amplifier all others will be judged against. RIAA Phono Amplifier It took 5 years to locate all the parts to build...

tron-electric.co.uk

no mentioning of price.
(emailed them and got no response)

no reviews.
no feedbacks.
no owners.

As someone has already mentioned . Jeff Catalino is probably your first port of call. although I doubt that he will be able to enlighten you. Graham Tricker does not seek to get his products reviewed and it is many years since he made an appearance at the Munich show. His Telstar, Voyager and Discovery amps were made in very small numbers. He only made 2 or 3 Yoyager and I would be surprised if the others reached very far into double figures.

His Nemesis range was a personal exercise in building the best he could do today without consideration of cost.
I very much doubt that he has sold one, even to his existing customers, so feedback will be non existent. Graham is very much a perfectionist in what he does within the parameters of his price points. He mainly focusses on developing his Atlantis and Convergence ranges which he sells successfully and upgrading exiting customers products. His products are conceived and produced in the Atelier tradition of craftsmanship.

 

[perart1]

As someone has already mentioned . Jeff Catalino is probably your first port of call. although I doubt that he will be able to enlighten you. Graham Tricker does not seek to get his products reviewed and it is many years since he made an appearance at the Munich show. His Telstar, Voyager and Discovery amps were made in very small numbers. He only made 2 or 3 Yoyager and I would be surprised if the others reached very far into double figures.

His Nemesis range was a personal exercise in building the best he could do today without consideration of cost.
I very much doubt that he has sold one, even to his existing customers, so feedback will be non existent. Graham is very much a perfectionist in what he does within the parameters of his price points. He mainly focusses on developing his Atlantis and Convergence ranges which he sells successfully and upgrading exiting customers products. His products are conceived and produced in the Atelier tradition of craftsmanship.

I stand corrected; it would appear that after of the Nemesis products have sold so apologise for misinformation. Should be price available from JC Highwater sound