Best Phono Stage


Hi all,

I need some advise on a really good sounding phono stage to go with MC turntable set up in the $5k or so bracket. I am completely new to vinyl and realise there a lot here in terms of arm/cart matching MC,MM and I think moving iron but if you could point me in the direction of some good sounding units I can investigate compatibility etc. I don’t own a table or cart yet. I was looking at the Zesto Audio 1.2.

My goal is a liquid engaging sound with deep tight bass and air and separation on top.

Thanks in advance.

Sean

128x128lance23

The return to vinyl has been uphill for me. The hardest part was me wasting money on one average phono preamp after another! If I had my priorities straight, I would have saved time and money. Going for quality that I didn't think that I could afford was proven wrong by spending for 4 preamps and counting!

 I leave with this thought>> try before you buy is the best advice that I could give.

@lance23 I've been using SUT's for years I find they give me better dynamics although the PH-10 doesn't require I use one just that IMO I prefer the sound.

@rsf507 I have heard others say the same. I think the SUT have a very low noise floor . Did you A/B with and without the PH10. I presume the chain is TT MC - SUT - PH10 - Amp 

@4krowme

I definitely get it. When I got my first good table I tried a top rated $200 Phonostage. It sounded terrible. So at each iteration I doubled the cost. It wasn’t until $2,500+ I started getting much of the sound quality my system was capable of. Finally at $8,000 my phono stage was no longer “in the way”.

Then I upgraded my turntable a few years ago and I had to double again to get the most out of my turntable.

Being so close to the source it is really important. But it is always a matching game to get the most out of your system.