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Upgrade from my internal Primaluna phono stage... Audio Alchemy PPA-1? What else?

So I am currently using the built in phono stage in my Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated (along with an Audio Interface CTS-80 SUT). The other gear is a VPI Classic 2 w/ 3D arm, Dynavector DV20X w/ Soundsmith Ruby retip, Devore Gibbon Super 8s. Musical taste is all over the place but is generally 60's to 80's underground rock, soul/funk, jazz, reggae. Not really any Classical or much modern stuff.

The Primaluna phono stage is better than I thought it might be but not sure just how good as I haven't heard this amp with anything else. Can't really tell how far I need to go to get a noticeable improvement. Can't really spend more than $1k if that (really should be less), but am happy to buy used gear.

Anyone else have the Primaluna phono board and upgraded? How much better can I do for under $1k?
Been scanning the ads here and the other usual places and doing plenty of research but I just keep going in circles. Too many options and no clear winner. Hopefully you guys can help narrow things down with experience with some of the same particular gear I am using.

I like tubes but don't feel it is 100% necessary as I have tubes in the rest of the path. I like the idea of MC capable especially with loading options but I have a quality SUT so it is also not necessary. A small chassis is nice as space is limited but a full size component is ok if it isn't too tall. No space for some big Audio Research type piece of gear. I am in NYC and in a 100 year old house with some wacky wiring so a good power supply and noise rejection is a plus, too.

I am Intrigued by the Audio Alchemy PPA-1 since Audio Advisor has them on sale for $799 ($1795 MSRP) but there is surprisingly little info on them out there beyond a positive Michael Fremer review and some other passing mentions which are also all positive. Seems odd for something that appears to have been out for a couple years now. Anyone actually have one or at least heard it? What else should I be looking at?










delay1968
delay1968 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for the reply. Good to hear. Wasn't able to find that review (think you need to buy a subscription) but I feel like real people reviews like yours are probably even more helpful.
Did you compare the ppa to any others when shopping? If so what did you feel it beat out?
grinnell
1,126 posts
 
I had a Primaluna PL2 with phono stage and I took it out and got a Hagerman Cornet II  the III is now out  great tube stage
delay1968 OP
8 posts
 
I had a Primaluna PL2 with phono stage and I took it out and got a Hagerman Cornet II the III is now out great tube stage

Yeah, the Cornet is on my list. A version 1 just went real cheap but I passed because the older ones are a bulky odd shape that I would have trouble placing though they do look better than the newer plastic ones. At least the newer ones are small enough so they can be tucked behind other gear.

I just wonder how they compare to something that was like $1500 and I can get used for like $800.
ericsch
761 posts
 
I really enjoyed my PS Audio GCPH with my Cayin Integrated. They can be found for $500 to $600 used. They retailed for $1000.
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Delay,
I was using a parasound zdac prior to this. That is a very inexpensive dac but good for the money. I also tried the Peachtree Nova & the AA was much better all the way around. It was also a bit more expensive so may not have been fair. I listen to a very good analog set-up mostly but will say the AA dac is shockingly close to that. It is that good. 
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