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Phono stage for my system?

I am getting back into my vinyl collection and would like some recommendations from vinyl enthusiasts. My equipment includes the following. 

Ayre K-5xe pre-amp - no phono stage
Pro-ject Debut III turntable with stock Ortofon cartridge (OM 5e I believe)
Proceed HPA2 amp
Aerial Acoustics Model 8b speakers

I am currently using the phono stage in my Integra video processor/pre-amp the signal from which passes through the Ayre pre-amp. I find it lacking in detail and soundstage even when listening to some excellent DG and Decca classical recordings. I realize my cartridge may pose some limitations, so let me know if you view that as an area for potentially greater improvement. 

Given the level of my turntable and cartridge, my budget is up to $1,000 for the phono stage, with the understanding I may choose to upgrade the cartridge or turntable in the future.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

sameyers1
austinstereo's avatar
austinstereo
61 posts
 
The Rega Fono Mini is an outstanding phono preamp, and would be a sonic upgrade for most receivers.  This includes many vintage receivers as well.  Full disclosure here.  We are a Rega dealer.  ;-)
slimpikins5's avatar
slimpikins5
191 posts
 
@Sameyers1
Just for the record; I had a Gold Note PH10, I was not too happy with it so I brought in a Musical Surroundings Nova III with the external LPS power supply.  It was much better than the PH10 in low end bass detail and power, much better in upper end imaging and sound stage, but not as good in the all important mid range.  The mid range just sounded blah, flat to me; but that is me, maybe not you.

That is what prompted me to try out a Whest Three Signature as it was so well reviewed and suggested by people I know.  The Whest just blew the Nova III and the PH10 out of the water in my system.  It had better bass detail and dynamic power, far more detailed upper end and best of all, the smoothest mid range.

That's my take on it all.  Again, I think that you can find a Whest Two.2 for around $1K, I have seen them offered.   I'd skip the other offerings and just locate a solid used Whest, you will not regret doing that.
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mayoradamwest
430 posts
 
Looks like an Ayre just popped up for a great price. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ejj2-ayre-acoustic-solid-state
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sameyers1 OP
138 posts
 
Am monitoring on Audiogon, U.S. Audiomart and Hi-fi Shark.  It may be too early to make an offer on this Ayre unit.  My friend is loaning me his Ayre P-5xe to listen over a weekend.  May not be able to do it for a couple of weeks, based on our schedules.  I want to hear it first before seeking a pre-owned unit.

Also, after input from many of you and a dealer I've worked with, it would seem that an Ortofon 2m Bronze would be a suitable upgrade for my turntable, my musical tastes and the kind of sound I prefer (more neutral than warm, emphasis on resolution).  Anything more costly would be overkill given its tonearm, etc.  My turntable just could not use truly high end cartridges to best advantage, nor can my budget afford it.  And per my prior observation, I'd have to spend $1,500 or more to get a new turntable and cartridge that would be materially better once the new cartridge is installed.  Ortofon recommends the 2m Blue as an upgrade, but the dealer suggests (as have several of you) that the 2m Bronze is far superior, quieter, more resolving.  The Ortofon is also a good physical fit for my tonearm.  The dealer has a return policy so I will give it a try.     
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