@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
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
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- 80 posts total
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. |
ghdprentice,
Cost aside, matching has become more important to me than I thought possible. To begin with, I have made other poor choices, such as going from a perfectly good Project Xpression II to a Schiit SOL TT. I am sure that the SOL has more potential than I am getting from it but will require set tools that I normally wouldn't consider. The Project TT was friendly with more phono stages that the SOL in my experience, but that didn't stop me from trading. So in reference to this topic, I want to add that al analog decisions have been important. If you happen onto a phono stage that works for your setup and taste, stop there. It is my opinion now that I should have started with a phono stage that was more adaptable. I want to add one last piece of observation. Two of the phono stages that I have tried were very good quality kits. In one case, I actually loved the sound, but can't seem to get rid of a bit of hum. In the other case, the phono stage is incredible sounding, but not in the bass. I suspect that this is some kind of mis-match? Really don't know, and am tired of the chase after a more than a year of effort. |
@lance23 correct hook-up per your note. Yes have tried with and without SUT and the PH-10 is excellent without just adding it brings a bit more to the sound. Yes expensive because you also require another rca cable out of the SUT to phono pre. For most people probably not worth it but once heard it's hard to go back. |
- 80 posts total