I have a Modwright PH9.0XT that I really like, but I would like to try an Andros or Allnic.
Tavish Adagio is very tubey, especially when rolling the stock tubes, but there’s a very long wait list.
I heard good things about Icon Audio.
suggestions for new phono stage
So, I have settled on the Zyx Ultimate Airy for the cartridge and would like to see if I can get a larger soundstage with better 3D imaging. Am thinking about a phono stage as a way to do this. I currently have a JLTi v 3 and have enjoyed it over the years, perhaps there is better? I really like the tube sound (I know the JLTi is SS but very nice). Budget is about $3500 willing to buy used. System is Nottingham Spacedeck with SME 309 arm with Van Den Hul silver tonearm cable, Amp is Cayim 300B with some really nice tube upgrades, speakers are Omega AlNiCo 6" and Omega deep hemp subs. Some possibilities are VTL TP 2.5i, Manley Chinook, Cary VT 500, Allnic H1500II LCR, Zesto Andros PS1, Prima Luna EVO 100, Hagerman Trumpet, RCM Audio Sensor, Paradox Phono 70 signature, and of course the JLTi v5. I need to narrow this down!
Thanks for any help here.
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Very nice system! It's always subjective, and there's unique synergy with each one and your system. My modified Hagerman Bugle has been stellar. While I haven't tried the Trumpet, I have corresponded with Jim Hagerman, and find him to a be a class act ,talented designer, and reputable businessman. He's the real deal, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of his offerings. You might try contacting him and see what he thinks is best match for your system and tastes. Good luck!
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https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbbf1d-primaluna-evo-100-tube-phono-preamplifier-phono Good price, good reviews. Been using mine for a year. Found one for a little less. Probably negotiable. For the price, it will do what a $5k+ tube unit is expected to do Build quality is "better" than most in it’s class. |
I recommend a used Audio Research PH 8 or 9 or a Zesto you have on your list. Both are audiophile quality, detailed and natural sounding.
Ive owned several ARC starting with the PH2 back in the 80’s and now moved up to the Reference 3SE. The PH8 was the first phonostage to get out of the way of my turntable. Highly recommended. |
A different approach is to go for a vintage tube preamp with phono, get all the advantages of it’s sound and features for all sources as well as phono, and if needed, add a SUT for LOMC. I bought this MX110z model and had Audio Classics overhaul it. I wouldn’t even research, if it died I would simply find another. The preamp has two phono inputs, and it has trim controls so the volume of 3 inputs can be matched, switch source, same volume as prior selection. Got a separate SUT for LOMC with PASS for MM and 3 inputs for 3 tonearms with 4 optional gain/impedance settings. I play mine thru a Cayin A88T. This one has clean text on both front and rear as well as the glass, and been checked out by a pro seller calls it a receiver, it is not, no amp, it’s a tube tuner/preamp. wonderful fm tuner, needs strong signal, I put a separate FM antenna in the attic. Most people have never heard excellent FM. It’s jacks look good, mine were corroded, Audio Classics changed mine to new gold plated jacks. |
You might consider the Konus Audio Vinyle 1000MC MkIII - it's a lovely sounding current amplification phono that is ideal for your ZYX.
Roy Gregory reviewed its bigger brother, the Vinyle 3000MC and compared it favorably to the CH Precision P1 at ~10x the cost. You can check out the review here: https://gy8.eu/review/the-konus-audio-vinyle-3000-mc-phono-stage/ |
Congratulations for your ZYX purchase: I only heard great things about the brand. I have tried several phono-stages in my system. I was very happy with the EMIA step-up transformer in combination with the Sunvalley Audio SV-EQ1616D phono stage (with an ELROG 300 rectifier tube): https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-42-sunvalley-audio-sv-eq1616d-phono-equalizer; I also tried the Pass Labs XP-17 https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/pass-laboratories-xp-17-phonostage/), but was disappointed, as it produced too much of a good thing, making it sound bombastic. I then became the very happy owner of a SUPRATEK Grange preamp from Down-Under, which has an exceptional phono stage built in. And yes, I sold my Sunvalley-EMIA combination, albeit not happily, but because it had become superfluous. So, if I were you, I would definitely look into this combination, which has one of the best price/quality ratios I can think of. Best of luck! |
I am using an Zesto Andros 1.2. It is attractive, flexible and sounds great (of course). George is one of the nicest guys in the industry, and returns calls himself. Finally, I am using the stock JJ83ECC 12AX7 tubes, which are inexpensive and George said sounded better than everything else, including NOS. If I were upgrading, I would look no further than ARC or Zesto - two of the best at your price point. Borrow/demo a short list (maybe top 2 or 3) to make your final decision. I am not affiliated... |
Jfet isn’t going to hurt your quest for better image depth or specificity… i say this from my own direct long term ownership experience with several respectable phono from ARC, Herron, etc…most designers brands mentioned in this thread know how to properly implement a Jfet. The all tube Rhea is excellent, but as noted feeding it tubes can be expensive A SUT like any transformer introduces a whole nuther set of distortion… have fun and enjoy the journey |
@bkeske has tube rolled a Trumpet… perhaps he will weigh in. my understanding is he loves it…. but i NEVER recommend gear i haven’t heard…which imo should be standard practice…… |
I settled on the Trumpet. For the price and flexibility I thought I ought to give it a try. Just received it and will post a review soon. Just fyi, I would guess that while Zyx spec for output is listed at .24 mv, I would bet it is more like .35. I can drop the gain on the Trumpet to 55 db and still get concert level loud at about 3:00 on the Cayin. |
