2. analog
  3. 135066-90127

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

There is likely nothing wrong at all with present phono stage but you know how it is.

Present analog front end consists of.

Nottingham Analog Spacedeck with Spacearm.
Shelter 501 mk3 cartridge with maybe 250 hours on it, regularly treated with Lyra.
Dynavector P75 mk3 phono stage.
Feeds into Lyngdorf 2170 via Nordost Red Dawn RCA cables.

My thoughts were that possibly the Dynavector is the weakest link and would pay most dividend on an upgrade but.....

What do I perceive I am lacking right now?
Really hard to say as this is highest quality analog front end ever owned.
Possibly lacking a little in sheer scale and dynamics? Bass is very very good, instruments are well separated and defined.
Just as an overall presentation I feel it lacks that final wow factor as a whole.
Not sure if that makes any sense?
Please comment honestly especially if you feel it is another area that may reap larger benefits. Or if should just leave well alone....lol.

Oh btw I am fairly sure it is setup correctly in regards to vta etc, at least to the best of my abilities right now. And yes setting it up correctly from initial purchase did make considerable gains in sq.
128x128uberwaltz
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
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.


rsf507
2,313 posts
 
@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.
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
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..
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Nice shortlist.
I assume you will be returning the iFi to Amazon as it was more of a tube sound test than anything?

I know the Manley was highly recommended earlier, just did not sound like it would have been a good impedance match to the 2170.
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
Uber,

Still undecided on the iFi.  I'm using it with my CD player right now, and like what i'm hearing.  I find that I'm listening to albums that are easily accessible through Tidal, but now with a "tube" sound and it's a blast.

That being said, if I return it, that's an extra $399 towards a new phono preamp.
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