Author Topic: Need recommendations on a phono stage  (Read 11562 times)

Offline Nick B

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Need recommendations on a phono stage
« on: July 16, 2016, 05:56:08 PM »
I posted this over at AC today.
I'm in the market for a phono stage and used units are fine. My max is $2,200 or so including any upgrades. From my research to date, I'd consider a Herron VTPH-2,  Avid Pulsus, Audio Note L3 V2,  LKV 2-SB. I'd like flexibility as to various loading options and prefer a unit where I don't need to take the lid off, but that's not all that important. I would prefer a warm, tending toward lush,  midrange as my current tastes are leaning in that direction. The unit can be for mm only as I've never owned a mc cartridge.

My associated equipment is
McCormack DNA 1.0 amp gold level
Antelope Gold DAC with Voltikus power supply
SP Tech Timepiece 3.0 speakers
Auralic Mini with Mojo Audio power supply
Basis Ovation turntable with Graham 1.5 T arm
Shure Ultra 500
all cabling by Gary Anderson

I consider this a neutral, very revealing system that is slightly on the warm side. My phono hasn't been used in about 8 years. The Shure stylus is damaged.
Thanks for your input.
Nick
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Scottdazzle

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2016, 11:54:37 AM »
Consider the Lehmann Decade. Stereophile Class A and superb build quality. Disclosure: Viva Hifi (aka me) is a dealer.
Viva Hifi in Vienna, VA
email: vivahifi@gmail.com
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Offline HAL

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2016, 12:42:45 PM »
The standard Shure V15 V-MR stylus will also work in the Ultra 500.  

The Japanese micro ridge replacement should also work well.  Uses a boron rod cantilever instead of beryllium tube as in the original.  

Hope you can find an original.  Found one awhile back in Ebay for mine.

Here is a JICO elliptical stylus that should also work in the Ultra 500 body. 

http://www.jico-stylus.com/product_info.php?cPath=18&products_id=1034

Good luck with the phono stage.
« Last Edit: July 17, 2016, 01:08:13 PM by HAL »

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2016, 03:31:46 PM »
Consider the Lehmann Decade. Stereophile Class A and superb build quality. Disclosure: Viva Hifi (aka me) is a dealer.

Thanks. I don't know much at all about the Lehman Decade and I didn't know it was a Sterophile Class A product. I do somewhat trust their opinions, but value what I read here and at AC. I value Fremer's opinion quite a bit. I posted over at AC that the problem with a trial of one item at a time is that I really wouldn't know what else is out there and how it compares. I also don't have the $$ to order multiple units and manufacturers would not give me the amount of time needed to break stuff in and do those comparisons. I am fortunate in that what I have now sounds very, very good so the comparisons are much easier nowadays.
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2016, 04:44:35 PM »
The standard Shure V15 V-MR stylus will also work in the Ultra 500.  

The Japanese micro ridge replacement should also work well.  Uses a boron rod cantilever instead of beryllium tube as in the original.  

Hope you can find an original.  Found one awhile back in Ebay for mine.

Here is a JICO elliptical stylus that should also work in the Ultra 500 body. 

http://www.jico-stylus.com/product_info.php?cPath=18&products_id=1034

Good luck with the phono stage.

Thanks for the info and the link.  It triggered me going thru my audio stash and, lo  and behold, I have a brand new AT-ML/150/OCC. I also found a 78 stylus for my Shure Ultra 150. The Shure's body also was separated from the top part which fits between the headshell. The glue just separated.
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2016, 08:40:12 AM »
Wanted to mention that I called Scott and we had a good conversation about carts and phono preamps. It was very helpful and I appreciated his time and different perspective on my options. He also has the same Graham 1.5 arm that I do so his opinions are that much valuable to me. So thanks Scott!
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline jessearias

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2016, 06:48:26 AM »
Probably a little late on this conversation as you have already moved ahead in your purchase.

But I recently had the opportunity to test listen to a Mytec Brooklyn DAC w/ phono stage. The DAC part sounded excellent. I also listened to the phono stage with a VPI classic turntable. Clean and excellent sounding as well.

The whole setup consisted of solid state equipment by Parasound (A21 amp, JC2 pre) Bowers and Wilkins 803's and the house music server (desktop) VPI Classic turntable and Nordost Vahalla cables, Audioquest power supply.

You have probably moved ahead, but if you are still considering, the Mytec Brooklyn DAC w/ Phono Stage is a definite winner. Definitely worth a listen to.
Parasound A21, Parasound JC2BP, Oppo 205 BR/SACD Disc Player, Marantz ST6000 Tuner, GoldenEar Triton 2 speakers and Supersub XXL, Triode Wire Labs interconnects, power cables and speaker wire, PI Audio Uber, Mini and Digibuss, Border Patrol DAC

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2016, 08:50:33 AM »
Probably a little late on this conversation as you have already moved ahead in your purchase.

But I recently had the opportunity to test listen to a Mytec Brooklyn DAC w/ phono stage. The DAC part sounded excellent. I also listened to the phono stage with a VPI classic turntable. Clean and excellent sounding as well.

The whole setup consisted of solid state equipment by Parasound (A21 amp, JC2 pre) Bowers and Wilkins 803's and the house music server (desktop) VPI Classic turntable and Nordost Vahalla cables, Audioquest power supply.

You have probably moved ahead, but if you are still considering, the Mytec Brooklyn DAC w/ Phono Stage is a definite winner. Definitely worth a listen to.

Yes, I did order a phono stage. After posting here and on AC, I ordered the Don Sachs phono with custom upgrades. The phono stage wasn't really mentioned, but the posts about Don's custom preamps intrigued me. I haven't had any tube gear in years and was intrigued and hopeful that it might be a great phono pre. I should receive it in about 2-3 weeks and will post my impressions
Nick
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline richidoo

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #8 on: September 07, 2016, 10:04:05 AM »
I ordered the Don Sachs phono with custom upgrades.

Very sweet Nick! Can't wait to hear your comments about it.

What tubes does it use? Sach's typical 6SN7s are probably not enough gain?

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2016, 02:28:18 PM »
I ordered the Don Sachs phono with custom upgrades.

Very sweet Nick! Can't wait to hear your comments about it.

What tubes does it use? Sach's typical 6SN7s are probably not enough gain?

Hi Rich,
It took a liitle while to find the invoice, but here's the upgrade info:

Upgrade to Genelex Gold Lion reissue 6922s. He is charging only for the difference between the cost of the Gold Lions vs the stock EH 6922s.
Upgrade to Mundorf Supreme silver oil output capacitors.
Upgrade to all film cap power supply.
Upgrade to black front and rear panels with gold lettering. This is a little touch that I appreciate Don doing. It'll match my Basis Ovation TT and Graham arm.

I was very, very close to buying a used LFD phono, but thought it was a bit overpriced. Looked into used Herron and K & K phonos. Keith called me back, but it didn't work out. Never heard back from Kevin. All in all, I have a hunch this is going to be an excellent unit.

Can't say I'm looking forward to setting up the cartridge, though. I've only done it once and that was 14-15 years ago    

Nick

« Last Edit: September 07, 2016, 07:12:38 PM by Nick B »
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline richidoo

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2016, 02:58:44 PM »
6922 is a great sounding tube, Gold Lions are my fav current production.

I think you chose right vs the LFD, their amps didn't impress me as much as they did "Sam Tellig."

Offline rollo

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #11 on: December 02, 2016, 07:32:00 AM »
  So so the outcome ??

charles
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Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #12 on: December 04, 2016, 10:14:07 PM »
  So so the outcome ??

charles

Charles,
My wife has some health issues and i haven't been much into audio lately other than some listening. I have yet to install the tubes. I did visit a friend today whose system sounds wonderful and he is using new wires. That did lift my spirits a bit. The other issue is I need to mount a cartridge and am really dreading the idea
Nick
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline rollo

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #13 on: December 05, 2016, 07:03:22 AM »
  Hey Nick hope your Wife is doing OK. Just maybe the new phonostage will bring you some relaxation and joy. Hoping it does best of luck.


charles
contact me  at rollo14@verizon.net or visit us on Facebook
Lamm Industries - Aqua Acoustic, Formula & La Scala DAC- INNUOS  - Rethm - Kuzma - QLN - Audio Hungary Qualiton - Fritz speakers -Gigawatt -Vinnie Rossi,TWL, Swiss Cables, Merason DAC.

Offline Nick B

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Re: Need recommendations on a phono stage
« Reply #14 on: December 06, 2016, 11:14:04 PM »
  Hey Nick hope your Wife is doing OK. Just maybe the new phonostage will bring you some relaxation and joy. Hoping it does best of luck.


charles

Thanks, Charles. We will know more when the biopsy is completed. I think getting back into vinyl after a 9 year absence will definitely lift my spirits
Nick
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS