Phono Stage Selection - PH-16 or Hagerman Cornet3

Three more candidates:

Aural Thrills
http://www.auralthrillsaudio.com

Used Jolida JD-9

Used Audio Research PH-3.

Suppose I'm looking for one of the experts here to analyze the design and help decide which best addresses the common downsides of tube stages; I.e noise, lack of or flubby bass. Also running an Ortofon 2M Blue so it should pair well with that cart.

Some have money back guarantees so I may audition a few. Just looking for help shortening the list.

Cheers

I wanted a tubed linestage, and wanted a kit, so I bought a Transcendent Sounds Grounded Grid pre. I love the thing.

They also have a phono stage, you might want to check out. The linestage is only $499. The phono pre is $699 for the kit.

I don't know if it would meet your needs, as far as working with your cartridges, but it's something to consider.

Regards,
Dan

Tube Box SE
Bottlehead Seduction
Wright WPP 200
Hagermann Cornet II

I had all of these tube stages in my system and loved the Hagerman the best. Good price and great sound.

Not much to add other than i was in the same position that you were a few years ago. Having built my own guitar amps I was comfortable with a soldering iron. I ended up going from a Jolida JD-9 to a Hagermann Bugle2 that I built myself. In hindsight, the Jolida did sound a hair better -- it really had that depth that a good tube amp gives you. However, at ~$100 the bugle 2 really gave it a run (SS even!). I ended up selling the Jolida as the bugle was at the right price / performance spot. I can't say enough good things about it.

I haven't tried the Cornet3, but it launched in a similar way the bugle did - through kickstarter. I plan on going this route soon to hear the difference. I bet the cornet does a better job than the Jolida.

Can't say enough about hagermann stuff. Really good value (esp if you assemble yourself!).

That's great input. I hear a lot of great things about Hagermann kits and I dig the Kickstarter story.

Honestly, i get hung up on the packaging size. Not sure why but I'm leaning toward the PH-16 due to the massive toroidal tranny and overall complexity of the design. similar $. His RIAA curve is a bit more precise as well.

Not a done deal yet but that's where I'm leaning. Roy has been exceptionally responsive as well. Jim was a bit more brief in responses to inquiries, however clearly stands behind his product by offering a year to return if I didnt like it. that speaks volumes.

We'll see...