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Phono stage

Hello Friends
I'm close to Nirvana, re phono stages, but want a bit more juice, in the bass (SLAM), and a sweeter treble, that won"t make my ears bleed, just kidding, yes, on some recordings some recordings, it is a bit bright, I bought a used PS Audio GPH, that has helped, but still, want a phono stage, that will take me to the next level, don't let me wrong, the PS Audio, is great!!, but I think, I could do better!!, I'm on a pension, so the mega, expensive, units, is out of my my price range!!, I have searched the web!!, below is what, according, to reviews, I just need guidance!!
1. RCM Sensor
2. TW acoustics
3.Monk phono stage
4. Herron VTPH-2
5.Liberty  B2 ( I'm not sure, if a tube unit, will give me slam,)
6. Mc Tavish  design(tube)
7. Decware ZP3 (tube)
8. Nagra VPS, or BPS
Friends
What is your thoughts??
Concluding"
Bass is where I'm coming from!!, with a smooth treble, but with nice cymbels
Thanks
David
128x128daveyonthecoast
jphilopena
9 posts
 
Zestos Andros with Telefunken tubes makes for a very low noise and extremely dynamic preamp.  I get plenty of low frequency response with mine and then 'Slam' you're likely looking for.
austinbob
235 posts
 
I just upgraded my Dynavector 20XL to a Soundsmith MIMC. I was using the phono card for my Mark Levinson 326s preamp. I upgraded to a Sutherland 20/20 phono preamp. The Sutherland is better, but my major improvement came with the MIMC cartridge. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
liamowen
193 posts
 
Here's another vote for the Pass Labs XP15, although it's discontinued now-- replaced by the XP17.  Mark at Reno Hifi is the best of the bunch as far as I am concerned; responsive, delightful, competitively priced, ships quickly and checks to make sure you're happy.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Mark Levinson ML6 mono preamps! Can't afford those? Then the Robert Grodinsky RGR 4 is a good alternative. I am listening to one right now! Check out the review in The Audio Critic!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
For vintage tube preamps I can recommend the Bruce Moore designed Precision Fidelity C2 and C7. I owned the C7 at the same time as the PS Audio III and preferred the C7 (which is a phono stage only - with two pots for volume and a switch for 4 sources).
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