Anyone have or heard the Whest PS.20

There was a 3 month old Whest PS .20 listed on Audiogon yesterday that I snatched up. I had targeted this phono stage for some time, but the retail cost was out of my budget. I had already placed an order for a Decware SP-1.5 and now I'll have the Whest coming into my system as well. On top of it all I have a deal for a Hagerman Trumpet pending. I'll be comparing all three in my system by the end of the month I suspect.

Reb1208 - I was told by the dealer I bought this from that the Whest is 58db on the MC side. I asked specifically because I read the Fremer review where the Whest was supposed to be user adjustable between 58db and 72db, but it is not. My cartridge is a Benz M2 (M0.9) wood body with 0.8mV so I agree with you that if the gain is 72db that would be extremely high. Can you tell me where you found this information? I'll like to research this further.

Clio09,
My Whest is specified at 65db for the MC and it was manufactured in May 2005.

For brand new Whest, you can order it at a specified gain for MC. For a used one, I guess you need to go through a dealer. The dealer would either adjust the gain himself for you or send it to Music Hall or one of its authorized contractor. I believe Music Hall has one contractor in Southern California.

Audiolui,

I received a response from James Henriot as follows:

"The gain on your unit for MC is set at 58dB using a 100R load. This has been recently changed to 65dB as most MC users use low output MCs. Michael Fremer asked for a 72dB unit and then said it comes as standard."

I am not sure how he knows mine is 58db other than the fact he may know what units this dealer had stocked. In any case I am going to get the serial number and have it researched by James. He seems very nice to deal with.

Yes, James Henriot is nice to deal with. He and I had exchanged emails a few times. Perhaps there is cut-off date for the Whest manufactured with the 58 db setting. He also probably keeps track of when he made the last shippment to your dealer. Confirming that with the serial # is of course the best way to find out the gain setting. Hope you like the Whest like I do.

Clio09,

I would assume you will find your unit has plenty of gain for your cartridge. My Whest was one of the units from the batch sent over in early March, so I am assuming having the 58dB for MC as well. My cartridge is an Airy 3S-SB which is LO (.24mV) and it seemed to be just fine going through Kehut's Manley Stingray integrated.

Hope this offers you some solace until the unit gets there and you can verify for yourself. Please keep us posted on your thoughts and assesment.