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MM/MI Phono Stages


I am switching from a Dynavector 10x5 to a Soundsmith Aida. I was always very happy with the 10x5 even after hearing way more expensive carts I was never left dissatisfied with its performance. With its price increasing quite a bit in the last few years I have made a decision to go with a more expensive SS model that can be re-tipped and repaired instead of shelling out money for new MC every couple of years. 

I have been using a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonoema. I also have a very good internal MM in my pre amp that is pretty close the SQ level of the Nova just different.

If I buy used what MM phono stages should I be looking at? I want Capacitance loading options, better sound quality and I don't really want to spend money on the MC option because I don't need it. So are there really good stand alone MM Stages that give you more bang for your buck then getting one on of these MM/MC stages. 

Thanks

darkstar1
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,617 posts
 
http://libertyaudio.com/products/b2b-1-all-fet-phono-preamp

Above can be configured for MM only and if so can be fitted with up to 6 different Capacitive loading options.

Yes I do make them


Good Listening


Peter

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,248 posts
 

Darkstar, if you want to go SS take a look at Peter's Liberty B2B. I saw and heard it at last year's T.H.E. Show in Anaheim, and it's real nice. For tubes, Herron does some direct sales, and may occasionally take a VTPH-1mm in on trade for a -2 (my -1 was one such). If doesn't have adjustable loading, but Keith will set it up any way you want. He put in the specific resistance and capacitance I wanted in mine, and even sent along a couple of extra tubes. A great, great guy to deal with. Ask him to contact you if and when he gets a VTPH-1 (mm or mc) in. Also read Art Dudley's review of the Tavish Design Adagio in the June Stereophile. He liked it a lot, and it's priced at only $1490. 

bpoletti
1,565 posts
 
Get a Herron.  IMO, with either model, they are very musically satisfying.  I think it's a good idea to call Keith Herron and just discuss what you want to do. 

The great benefit of owning a Herron Audio product is that you get Keith Herron's personal attention.
darkstar1 OP
180 posts
 
yeah I just put the Aida on the prime today. I really am enjoying it so far. I have some dialing in do. I am going to listen for a month or two then decide if I want to go SS or Tube. 

If you asked me today I would say tube. My system is pretty netural and so is the Aida. Its really enjoyable but a slight tube warmth may be a really good fit but I need sometime before I really decide. Thanks everyone. 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

The question is how to get optimal results in the cheapest way.

My answer is a good MM phono-pre in combination with a SUT.

In my second system I use Jasmine LP2 with improved MM

part with Denon AU-S1 SUT. I started with FR-FRT-4 because of

its versatility ( 3, 10, 30 and 100 Ohm) but the Denon sounds

better in my opinion and ''cover'' 3> 40 Ohm ''range''. While the

MC input by Jasmine sunds very good the combo with the SUT

sounds much better. Total cost +/- 1200 euro.



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