2. analog
  3. 1077210082

Venturing into Vinyl - Phono Stage Questions

Well, I'm finally taking the plunge. Albert Porter's Tuesday night sessions have effectively ruined digital for me, and I've decided to try analog for myself. But, I do have some basic equipment questions, and would appreciate the suggestions of the Audiogon community...

Right now, I am using Vandersteen 2CE's with a Rogue amp and an AES tube output CD player. I think I have found a turntable, but would appreciate some suggestions on a tubed preamp and phono stage. I'd like to stay between $550-750 for both, and it seems like my options are as follows. (1) Get an older pre with built in phono stage, or (2) go with lower cost separates.

So my questions are... How good are the built-in phono stages on some of the older preamps out there (I'm thinking older Audio Research, CJ, Audible Illusions, etc.)? How do they compare with some of the newer, budget level stand alone phono stages (e.g. Lehmann, Channel Island, Bottlehead, Hagerman, etc.)? I'm very interested in trying out the DIY kits out there (specifically the Bottlehead Foreplay or the Consonance Basie) for a preamp, so if the newer budget stuff is really as good as people seem to say, I'd be more than comfortable going that route (DIY pre and separate phono).

Any advice and recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric
ewha
rjason
2 posts
 
I would suggest a ss phono for your price range, even though I am a tube guy. There are solid arguements for using transistors over tubes in any type of amp, dollar for dollar. Just as there are solid arguements for using tubes over transistors in a pre-amp, again dollar for dollar.
Having said that I have used a Tom Groove phono stage, the built in one in my Hoveland pre-amp, and a Phenomena phono stage. The Phenomena is very under rated. I actually liked it better than the Groove which is much more expensive. For the money you are talking about you should be able to get a used one plus the BPS.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
We need to know what type of cartridge you're going to use.

Lots of people, including myself, have had good success with the EAR 834P with a decent MM cartridge. You should be able to find a used one in your price range. I am using the model without volume control.

Sorry I can't offer an opinion on any built-in phono stages.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Welcome to another reformed digi-phile, and kudo's to Albert for showing another music lover the way. Of course he doesn't really fight fair does he. Maybe he should buy a Meitner to be more evenhanded.

If you go with seperates you'll be paying for two chassis' and a pair of interconnects. That's a lot of excess hardware for a limited budget. I have to believe you'd get better sonic performance by putting all your dollars into a decent used tube preamp with internal phono stage.

A used c-j PV-10 can be had in your price range. A PV-11 (what I have) would go for a few hundred more. My system doesn't compare with Mr. Porter's, but there are still other components I'd upgrade before I'd trade my PV-11, even though it's the oldest component I own. It has given nothing but satisfaction since 1991. I believe an ARC would give similar satisfaction with a slightly leaner sound. Choose between them according to your taste.
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