Feickert Volare + Shick 9 + Hana Umami Red

"I'm also looking at a Primaluna tube phonostage"

Mine is a week old. Found a barely used one at significant discount.

I have  a tubed unit in the shop, originally was getting an inexpensive SS unit for the time being. PL was an impulse buy because of price/brand reputation.

To my ears its everything the reviews(not many) mention.  It is quieter than my Fosgate. SQ is about the same until a side by side comparison is done. 

If you're a press your ear against the speaker type to listen for tube hiss, go with  something other than the PL. Otherwise, the performance/build is what to expect from the brand.

Years ago, I demoed that Zesto model in my setup. That's an okay price, but they show up now and then used for less.

Thanks! I'm looking at the Zesto Andros 1.2. The deluxe is a little pricey for me right now given that I just dropped about $10k on the new analog rig. The Zestos are all beautiful and highly regarded, so Zesto is a top contender. And the Andros 1.2 is currently on sale, down from $4.7k to $3.2k. It's almost like I must buy it at that price.

I'm also looking at a Primaluna tube phonostage. (https://upscaleaudio.com/products/primaluna-evo-100-tube-phonostage?_pos=1&_sid=fa016fdbf&_ss=r). I've had great luck with Primaluna.

Otherwise, I'm open to all suggestions! 

But here's the foundational question I keep asking myself: Should I go with a tube or solid-state phonostage? I have an all-tube integrated amp (Primaluna Evo 300) and solid-state integrated amp (T+A PA 2500 R). The T+A is clearly the better overall amp, but I couldn't bring myself to part with the Primaluna. It makes certain records, especially vocal-centric and acoustic music, sound better than any integrated I've heard. I wonder about the difference between running a tube v. solid-state phonostage to each the T+A and Primaluna integrateds. Seeing that my primary amp is the solid-state T+A, I think a tube phonostage would round out the setup nicely. 

Check out the Zesto phono stages for that set up. I have a similar rig but Blackbird running an Andros Deluxe II. But George is just introducing a lower cost version that should fit your budget and be excellent. I think tubes are better at picking up electrons for low output MC carts. 

" you're undervaluing the strength of the Sutherland"

No-that's why I mentioned in my statement  "at the level you were previously at"

You have an already good setup. But going forward,  you're entering the subtle results, but wide wallet opening zone. which is why I'm curious if a completely different phono pre -tube might be heard as a more noticeable/likeable difference?

Perhaps I may be way off, and the new arm is a significant upgrade-more so than the phonostage at equivalent monetary investment. 

Either way- you're "closer." Happy listening.

Happy listening.

And have you ever used the Sutherland KC Vibe phonostage? I have no doubt that upgrading the Sutherland to something like a Manley would yield further appreciable results. But I think you're undervaluing the strength of the Sutherland. I've had this conversation with several sales associates who could easily sell me on one of their pricier phonostages. But all have said stick with the Sutherland for now and upgrade later. I was happy to buy one now, and could have easily been sold several "nicer" (i.e. more expensive) phonostages, up to $4k. But my trusted sales advisors at different shops all recommended I stay put for now. And I agree because I want to hear the Volare/Kuzma/Red rig with my trusted Sutherland for a while, then enjoy the upgraded sound with a new phonostage later. I like this tiered approach because it allows me two separate upgrades instead of going all in at once. What phonostage do you use and why? 

The Kuzma Stogi can be viewed here:

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/kuzma-stogi-9-gimbaled-tonearm?_pos=1&_psq=kuzma+gimbaled+tonearm&_ss=e&_v=1.0

At the level you were previously at, I wonder what will be the more appreciated sonic  "upgrade?"

Schick w/new phonostage or Kuzma/existing phonostage?

My guess is arm less dramatic than a different phonostage.

"Kuzma Stogi 9 in. gimbaled tonearm"

What model is that?

I know cost doesn't equal sound. That's why I'm sticking with my Sutherland for now. I plan to audition a Manley Chinook and go from there. But that's about six months away. 

Cost is not necessarily a guideline to sound quality in any aspect of this hobby. Try to audition a couple of different phono stages before making your decision.

I’ve decided to swap the Shick tonearm for the Kuzma Stogi 9 in. gimbaled tonearm. I figure why not. If I ever upgrade the Volare, I’ll keep the Hana Red cart and Kuzma tonearm and use them for the new table. Next on the list is upgrading the phonostage. My Sutherland is fantastic but this rig probably needs a phonostage in the $3k range.

@jkirsch 

I found Herbie Soft Fat Dot equally effective in isolating Turntable’s. I used them under my SME15. 

https://herbiesaudiolab.com/collections/component-isolation

Great choice. I had two Volares with different arms then moved to the Woodpecker. The Volare is a really good table. I did have some problems with isolation on my table, it would pickup from a nearby sub and I spent a lot of time figuring out how best to isolate it. Yeah, I could have moved the sub, but my previous table worked just fine in the same spot.

In the end some basic rubber shims helped, along with my SRA iso platform. I'd a dialogue with Chris Feickert and he recommended the shims. More info here if anyone needs it: https://www.audioresurgence.com/2019/07/dr-feickert-volare-turntable-review.html

Definitely upgrading the IsoAcoustics ZaZen platform that I currently use. Looking at the Delos. But I'm wide open to suggestions on the best iso platform. Comments welcome.

As for upgrading the phonostage, I'm looking into a Manley, but not rushing it. The Sutherland sounds amazing for a $900 phonostage. Punches way above its price. But I agree it's not an endgame phonostage and is the weakest link in the chain at this point. 

Enjoy your new toy, sounds like you will have many evenings of musical bliss. 

isolation essential, great gear choices - enjoy the nusic

Umami Red is a fabulous cart, you should hear a very noticeable improvement over Hana SL cart. 

That will do fine! The only addition I can think of would be an isolation base.

+ @tablejockey Congrats on a solid upgrade. Keep us posted - good news is always welcome

Looks like a solid package, along with the rest of your setup.

Enjoy it.

Future upgrade- go up the food chain with the phonostage.

Hear what that $3K cart is  capable of with something next level-demo something, if possible.