Vintage Phono Stage? pros and cons

I found an old used Audio Electronic PH-1 phono at a garage sale for $5. I am currently using a PS Audio GCPH. I had to hook this little unit to my table for fun. All I can say is wow!!! I am now in the process of replacing the caps and some of the old wire. I plan to also do some tube rolling. This hobby can be a lot of fun. I will probably have less then $100 in this great little piece.

You do need to consider the amount of gain needed if you plan to use the lower output moving coils (I do not). I am very happy with my solid state CJ EF-1. Quiet as the grave, it's was $2000 a decade ago and is a set and forget unit. CJ is always there to repair it if necessary. They often sell for under $1000, in perfect condition.

I think the problem one will find with the "vintage" phono stages will depend in part upon which cartridge you're planning to run. If it's a low output MC, then you're going run into noise and inadequate gain problems. In the end, this will lead to the loss of dynamics, resolution and transparency.

That said, I do find newer phono sections as a whole much quieter than older phono stages.

Interesting responses! I currently have a Modwright SWLP with the internal phono section. Sounds great and is fantastic value for the money. I have been rebuilding my system from the TT (Raven One/Phantom/XV-1s) down and suspect there is more to be gained at the phono/pre side of my system. My main system is vinyl only so a phono w/volume control or phono/pre combo like I have is ideal. I want to avoid the cost of separates for a quality pre and phono. There must be lots of vintage equipment that would work. Any suggestions? or hidden diamonds out there?

This is one place where I would recommend caution when going vintage, if the goal is max performance or at least max bang for the buck, rather than collecting. That's because although there are few things new under the phono audio sun, parts are better now than they have ever been before. We have faster better sounding transistors, quieter diodes, better sounding caps (or all types and kinds), and quieter resistors than ever before. There have been advances too in power supply implementation and design, as well as in chassis damping, etc. In a vintage piece, all of the parts are as old as the unit itself, unless someone else rebuilt it before you bought it. To get the best out of a vintage design, it would help a lot to be able to DIY in terms of baseline upgrades to get the most out of the circuit design.

I am reminded of an experience I had years ago. I owned a Marantz 7C which I put up for sale (pre-internet days). The buyer interrogated me at length over the phone re the originality of the unit. That's all he cared about. I assured him that the unit was truly in "as sold new" condition, meaning none of the parts had been replaced or upgraded. When he received it, he remonstrated with me about the fact that there was a little noise on phono, due to a cap or something which he had had to replace. Needless to say, this caused me to become peevish. You can't have it both ways.