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Reasonable tube phono stage for Oracle Alexandria?

Hello all,

I have an Oracle Alexandria with Sumiko MMT and Bluepoint cartridge. Currently using the internal phono stage of my Unison Research Unico, however, this has become an intolerable limiting factor and I feel it is time to upgrade. I am interested in tubes but am at a complete loss as to what might be a reasonably-priced phono stage for this set up or if tubes are even the most appropriate way to go here. I do know that any phonostage I purchase should accomodate both MM and MC cartridges since I experiment with both regularly. And as long as I have your attention, does anyone have any experience with or opinions on suitable tonearm upgrades since that project is looming as well? Any suggestions, experiences, or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
rickk
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Not sure how reasonable is reasonable to you. It will help if you could give a price range.
rickk OP
15 posts
 
I am looking to spend $200-300 (I have no problem buying used items, prefer it even) on the phono stage and about the same on the tonearm, if only because I have been advised that the Alexandria itself becomes a limiting factor when mated with components priced much past these values. If anyone believes this not to be the case, or has experience to the contrary, do comment. I would be willing to spend twice as much (i.e. $400-600 each for phono stage and tonearm) if I thought it was worth the expense. Indeed, this is the source of my confusion on the issue; not really knowing what price range of components is appropriate for this table. Thanks again.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
The intorable limiting factor is more-likely belongs to Bluepoint cartridge.
Replace with new Shure V15vXMR. Than think of phonostage.
Don't go bellow ARC PH3($800 used) otherwise you'll spend much more for upgrades. This phonostage could be used for cartridges down to 1mV output with passive preamp and down to .6mV output for active preamps. You should be able to vary the load by replacing load resistors since that's the only way done in this phonostage.
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hammy
176 posts
 
arc ph3 is a GREAT reccomendation. Shure seems outdated, was great in its day. I like my SS. plinius jarrah/ rega/ dynavector 10x4 combo- sort of low-end hi- end, but the audio research idea is a good one - if you can get it that cheap.
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