Phone stage for VPI Scout 1.1

I had access to a battery operated Sutherland that cost 3k new. I compared it directly to a Musical Surroundings Phonomena I ($1200) in same system.

Based on what you like you would like the Sutherland. It had more of what people would consider a typical tube sound. Warmth, smooth, not as upfront and not as tight bass.

The phenomena was much more upfront with tighter bass. The Sutherland was a bit better at separating voices from the mix a tab bit quieter. Overall different presentations. That being said the Sutherland edged out the phenomena but considering the price difference the phenomena did very well and was not blown out of the water.

But again a Sutherland is more of the sound you may be going for.