Ugraditus is calling....again. Phono stage?

@slaw

Not really sure why you have decided to make it your mission to criticize my actions or posts but whatever makes you happy. Not my intention to provoke your ire, I am just here to learn what I can, share my experiences and enjoy the music!

Lets see though...
Lyngdorf 2170..... likely here to stay
Nottingham Analog Spacedeck……. likely here to stay
GoldNote PH-10 phono stage.... likely here to stay
Cartridges... yes they will be an evolving mission
Cables...… pretty much done with them now Grannyring has made me a superb set of XLR cables.

Bluesound Vault 2... was thinking of an update after 18 months but nothing much better around at all.

Speakers, yes just decided to update from my old Wilson Witt mk1 to a pair of the new Tekton Di, which have rave reviews by actual owners everywhere.

Nakamichi 582 tape deck.... likely here to stay.

Underpant….yep changing them frequently.

Seriously though not sure of your "dig".

Most of my purchases have been used and as used there really is no "burnin" required so what I hear is what I get right away and some items I have bought just were instant, "well not a good fit at all"

In all honesty if my posts and actions offend you then probably best to just ignore them. Its a hobby, I enjoy it and the music that flows forth and if I decided to mix things up earlier to get to where I am now then where is the harm in that?

Oh and when I listen to music at least 5 to 6 hours a day I get PLENTY of time to evaluate changes I have made tbh, at least in my system to my ears and imho.

@rsf507 

$2000 used/new.

I've heard the following:  Pro-Ject Tube Box S, iFi iPhono2, Parasound JC3 Jr, PS Audio NuWave Phono, GN PH10 - for stand alone units.

Used the built in phono stages in the following: Emotiva TA-100, Marantz PM6006, Parasound Halo Int, Mytek Brookly DAC+, and Micromega M100.

The top 4 best sounding to me, in order: PH10, NuWave Phono, Mytek, and Micromega.  The difference between the PH10 & Micromega isn't much, and hence another reason I've parted ways (maybe temporarily with the PH10).

I have ordered another PS Audio unit, but I plan on using that as more of a utility device - to archive, use ADC, and as a phono stage.

I feel I might have to wait until my budget can increase to really step it up.  I'm in no hurry though.

Uberwaltz, +1

I'm worse than you are, and enjoying music in the primary goal, but there's no harm in trying new things.  For me, that's part of the fun, and part of this hobby.  It's whatever makes you happy.

@robelvick 
IMO only I think it will be hard to top the PH10 at your price point but please keep all posted in what you try.

Short list:

EAR 834P deluxe
Lehmann Silver Cube
Manley Chinook
Parasound JC3+
Rega Aria

All but the Rega, I would need to purchase used, but I see them listed pretty often.  I really enjoyed the PH10 used with the iFi iTube2, but that was  make-shift (half-assed), so that's why i've included a few true tube preamps on the list.

Of course, I'm going to be using the PS Audio NuWave shortly, and I'm curious to see how it integrates with my new system.  It's been almost a year, and two systems later, since the first time I owned one.  I remember loving it, so we'll see..