2. analog
  3. 165306-527

A solid tube photo stage around 1500

Edit: Phono stage (voice to text is biased against analog)

First of all, I know this question has probably been addressed many times on this forum, and I’ve looked and sorted for relevance and date and still really can’t find anything. However, if you know of one posted in the past few years that can answer my question, please put a link and that’ll be the end of that.

I have an LFD LE phono stage right now that is superb, as all LFD components are. However, I have a beautiful line magnetic 518 integrated that is just opulent. And thus, I’m looking for a tube phono stage to feed it. I was thinking of an Allnic 1201, but was too slow on the trigger. Ultimately, my goal is a Herron phono stage, and Keith Herron literally lives right up the road for me. But I don’t have the funds for the Herron at the moment.

So what’s a good tube powered phono stage for around $1,500 to $2,000 that could better the LFD and be a good fit for the line magnetic?

Can I stay local and go with deckware? Maybe Canary? My speakers are spatial M3 Turbo s’s, and my vinyl rig is a VPI HW19 Mark 4 with a Hana ML.
128x128simao
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,811 posts
 
Mikey likes transient speed and air. Me too. Many folks like tube warmth. I prefer tube sweetness. I run tubes. But I do not like excessive warmth or thickening at all so I get Fremer's perspective in this review. I don't know what the standard tubes are but you have a whole world of rolling possibilities there which may do wonders for the sound. I'm looking forward to your journey.
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
@noromance

Yep, I agree, that seems to be his desire, personally.

I have twitchy fingers to try some new/NOS tubes, but have not taken that leap yet. As I’m new to tubes tied so directly to sound, I will need guidance on the various tube sound signatures to make that first choice. I know one thing, I will probably spend a decent amount in my first decision, and not simply swap for swapping sake.

The main preamp tubes are the 4 of the new Mullard long plate 12ax7’s. They seem to get high marks for what they cost, but I’m sure there are better choices out there, if willing to spend a significant amount more.
vinylvin
146 posts
 
How is the comparison going with the LFD?
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,822 posts
 
@vinylvin The Hagerman is definitely a more robust, tubey sound - wider and more expansive soundstage at the cost of slightly less imaging. But I like that. Haven't rolled tubes yet.
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
I agree @simao 

RE: Hagerman Trumpet - have you used the tube dampers? I find, for my set-up, that imaging improved with them installed on the 12ax7's, placed down low.

I just installed four new Genalex Gold Lion (gold pin) 12ax7 tubes last week, and it was nice improvement. Better mid-high extension over the stock Mullards. Tomorrow, or the next day, I should receive two NOS Brimar 12au7's to replace the stock tubes as well. I am hoping for an additional performance increase in sound.

I'm really liking the Trumpet.
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