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Phono stage shoot out: best mid priced unit?

OK am curious what the experience is with the following phono stages:

Tavish Audio Design Adagio

Gold Note PH10 with PSU 10 power supply

Manley Chinook

Whest Two.2

Pass XP12

Parasound JC3+

Sutherland 20/20

Priorities are: sound quality, flexibility and adjustability with differing cartridges, low noise, and overall quality.  I left out the Herron VTPH2a as it's out of production.

Of note I've purchased an EAT Petit, which for $1500 seemed like a good choice, but I'm wondering if spending a little more is the wiser choice.  The new Hegel V10 is also about the same price, but too new to know anything about it.

 

Thanks!

bobbydd
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 

I was looking at all of the ones listed. I was almost going with the GN PH 10, I wound up trading my SPL Phonos which I thought was very good. I have the Modwright PH9.0x on order. I should get it hopefully before the new year.

boxer12
8,656 posts
 

I haven't heard the Whest two but own the Whest three signature & it is great. Suspect the two would be as well. 

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

I love my Tavish the classic. Running all NOS tubes with it, GE 12au7, RCA 7025 gray plate, and a Sylvania 5157 with disc getter....sounds good to me. The Tavish Adagio will be mine, someday. Scott is a great guy, very reachable and helpful. The Adagio uses transformers in the M/C section, similar to that of the Ear 834P, which I also own.

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 

Anybody ever compare any of these to the Nagra BPS? I've been wondering if I decided to sell mine and upgrade what would be worthwhile without spending a fortune. Cheers,

Spencer

big_greg
6,647 posts
 

I have a Pass XP-15 and a Manley Chinook.  The Chinook is pretty dynamic and has nice detail and is quiet.  The XP-15 hasn't seen much use since I got my Herron VTPH-2A, but it's a very good phono stage.  Lots of drive and very quiet.

The Chinook only has 2 gain settings and you have to remove the top to change them.  The XP-15 has all the gain and loading settings on the back which is more convenient, unless you don't have access to the back.

If I was forced to choose one, I would probably keep the XP-15 for its flexibility, but I might give the Chinook a little bit of an edge in sound quality.  It would be a tough choice, they are both very good.

Neither are in the same league as the Herron VTPH-2A.  If you can find a pre-owned VTPH-2A, grab it.  I have no experience with any of the others mentioned.

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