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Phono Stage Opinions

I have an Audio Research LS 7 Preamp also a Technics SA 300 Receiver.
I tried the receiver phono stage on the AR preamp and it sounds decent.
Should I purchase an inexpensive phono stage or use this one ?
Thank you
rocky1313
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Buy yourself a JLTi phono stage for about $750 USD if you will convert the price from AUD. It can be supplied with special power supply for a bit higher price. If your budget is limited just buy one without special PSU and nothing can beat it at this price and at much higher price. 
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 
save up a little and get the highly regarded IfI Iphono2 under $499. very good for the money MM/MC with tons of loading options. You would honestly need to spend well over $1k to get close to the performance of the IFI. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I'm sorry, but i have to remind that iPhono is Made in China and MANY users have a problems with brand new units. Some users replaced 2-3 units under warranty and still have got serious problems. This phono stage must be avoided, seriously. I have tried one in my system, there is NO optional loading for MM cartridges, only for MC.  Surely not all of them are defective, but i've posted a links to another forum and even here on audiogon we have reports from some users about defective iPhono 2. In my opinion this phono stage is a crappy one. Serious phono stages are hand build by designers, but the iphono simply made in China.   
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