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Phono amp recommendations

I am thinking of upgrading my phono amp and would like recommendations in a sub $2000 phono stage. I don't even have an "A" list yet and will build it off of others recommendations and some listening of course. I have a Nottingham Spacedeck with the New AceSpace arm, shelter 501 II, Belles Auricap 21A pre and ref. 150A poweramp. Dynaudio Special 25 speaker with Shunyata Gemini speaker and Aries interconnects. I love acoustic music, look a bit more towards warmth than detail. I listen to about 65%vinyl, 34% CDP and 1% wondering what I am going to listen to next. I listen to a wide variety of music, strong leaning to jazz, bluegrass, blues, acoustic rock and popular music, some classical pieces as well. Thanks for your input. Oh, I currently use a Dynavector P75 which is a great little amp, I am just thinking my other equipment could give me a little more with a nicer phono stage.
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cleopatra52's avatar
cleopatra52
98 posts
 
I'll second 4yanx recommendation of the K&K. I have compared it to the ARC PH3SE and the Pass X-Ono and preferred it to both (although it was close to the X-Ono). I really don't think you can do better under $2K and this includes if you purchase used.
nicksgem10s
98 posts
 
I owned both the Eastern Electric Minimax phono and the K&K Phono and would really recommend them both. The EE Minimax has a midrange that is absolutely to die for. It was maybe a little rolled off on top and bottom but really a nice piece that I could live happily with. The K&K is the best I have heard to date with no weaknesses that I really know of. It combines the best of solid state sound in a tubed unit. It doesn't quite have the midrange of the EE Minimax but it has a very sweet midrange and significantly better lower and upper frequency extension. I don't think you could go wrong with either unit. Good luck in your search.
rsabia
3 posts
 
check out the aes/cary ph-1: it's a great value and kevin at upscale audio will help you roll/tweak it to perfection, well within your budget and killing lots of higher-priced models. i picked up one used here on a'gon and have been very pleased.
rshak
416 posts
 
Second (or third) the Eastern Electric recommendations - very musical, and a thing of beauty to behold. Rated Stereophile Class B. U.S. distributor is wonderful to work with. I've had one in my secondary system since January - - - very pleased.
theo's avatar
theo
2,666 posts
 
Just 2 cents here. I owna Linn Linto and just tried the Ayre PH5 for the weekend and well I gotta save the dough but it was much better than the Linn. Stereophile rates the Linn above the Ayre but I disagree. The Ayre sells for 2350 but maybe your local dealer could cut you a deal. It has a great soundsatge. Full range with a very natural sound. It is like it isn't there in the signal path at all. Again just my 2 cents.
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