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Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2

Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2.  I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!  

The next phase of my system now needs attention:  the phono stage.  Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers). 

I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).  
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT).  I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.  

I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA  LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT.  I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range. 
Thanks. 

drbond
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,057 posts
 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,057 posts
 

No one of them in your price range but ....! ! ! ! 

 

R.

drbond OP
420 posts
 

@rauliruegas 

Thanks for your phono stage recommendations.  I haven't looked at the details of those three that you recommended.  Are they all current based phono stages?  
Thanks. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,057 posts
 

@drbond  : No, not current design but very good performers.

 

This Agoner just bougth two phono stages one voltage and one current designs and at least his preview of a top current design was not very good against the other new voltage design unit:

I think that if you are biased to the current designs you need to listen the unit you want against a voltage new unit in the same room/system and with your cartridges.

The advantage with today good top voltage designs is that we can't go wrong with.

R.

drbond OP
420 posts
 

@rauliruegas

I personally have not investigated the purported benefits of a current design vs voltage design in the phono stage, however, most on this forum seem to indicate that a current design will be more precise and detailed due to the effect on the MC cartridge, if I’m not mistaken.
I personally, hold no bias towards either design, but I am simply looking to purchase the best sounding phono stage that isn’t insanely priced, given my system. No doubt, I will have to audition different items before purchase in order to make a reliable decision.
Thanks.

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