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Phono for Ikeda 9TT LOMC

Hi!
I need some advice regarding to the phono stage in my system. My system is currently: VPI Classic TT, Ikeda 9TT cart(0.2mV) , Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL phono(0.4mV, 24db headroom, channel sep. 86db) Dynaudio BM5 mkIII monitors with dedicated volume box.
I am listening to music at usually 40-45% of the max volume (+6db setting on the phono and +4db on the monitors). I am satisfied with that.
But my monitors have way too loud stativ(?) noise. 
How would you improve the performance? 
1st:
I am thinking about to sell the phono and getting a better one. Maybe vintage, used.
Which one would you choose under 1500pounds? Would IT solve the problem?
2nd: 
Get a better PSU for the phono (recommended).
3rd:
Replace the unbalanced cables between the phono and active monitors with balanced xlr-
4th
Replace the studio monitors

Which one would be the best upgrade choice?


--
Simon Milán
korakotta
korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
51 posts
 
Huhhh, now I am confused a bit.
I am open to buy now either a Step up or a Gold Note phono.
I would prefer a Gold Note Ph-10 with the 0.1mV+ but I've checked the Ph-7and the Ph-1. Both of the last phonos offer 0.15mV+ input sensitivity. Would you recommend the last two also? I know the Ph-10 is superior but I am open to save some if its not a bad choice.

Ok. So, why would I go for a step up if the phono is enough according to the specs?
What else, if not the Denon? Ortofon T20? But I still prefer a "Gold Note" if its not a trade off.


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
What's the hype about that Italian PH-10 phono stage? 

This and most of the other phono stage designers never even thought about 100k Ohm optional loading for MM cartridges, but they gave us many loading options for MC 

As Mr.Fremer stated Decca London manufacturers never used anything, but the standard RIAA curve back in the days! He asked retired Decca engineer about it to stop the speculations about some special curve for Decca records, nobody needs this curve (only standard RIAA for all Decca). 

I'm not sure about Columbia

In the first review of PH-1 it was compered to F117 Nighhawk, does anyone checked that Nighhawk ? 
korakotta's avatar
korakotta OP
51 posts
 
I have checked the nighthawk among several phonos what can be good for my Ikeda. Now I have more questions than when I started. 
I think the best if I am starting a new post...

andrei_nz
192 posts
 
A bit late in the play, but anyway ... I have a 9TT and I struggled to get a phono stage.  Eventually, more out of luck than anything else, I hit on the LCR network type phonos.  So I sought out a Vida or an Allnic.  I currently run an Allnic 1500 and it is a fine match with Ikeda.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Would be nice to hear your opinion on Vida, it's a shame that optional loading for Vida cost extra. 
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