On the fence about Vinyl need a good phono stage for A/B testing

FYI, I had a BLab phono stage, about $9k, very nice indeed and better than a number of stages but the iPhono 2 was better to my ears. They were equal in all aspects except timing. The iPhono 2 simply had better PRAT. I was using a linear supply with the IPhono, I don’t allow SMPS anywhere near my three audio rigs.

I find Bat gear a little dark, I had a Rex pre years ago, didn’t keep it long at all. That could have changed as I haven’t listened to Bat gear in years.

The Luxman CL-38uC would probably give you all you need but again if you are just looking for a great stage don’t let the low price and diminutive look fool you, the iPhono 2 has embarrassed some very expensive pieces of gear and at Music Direct you have 60 days to love it or hate it :)

That’s my take on the subject matter. Whatever you decide I really hope you enjoy the end result.

Best

Or at least I try my best to keep SMPS’s away from my systems.

audiofun, SMPS is "switch mode power supply"?. I really feel stupid asking this question what do you mean by "I try my best to keep SMPS’s away from my systems." ?.

Or what is "the" cartridge for Luxman EQ-500 to be worthy?.

Geek101:

yes, that’s correct. They usually hurt the sound of systems, regardless of what the manufacturer claims. There are threads on this forum where this is discussed in great detail. I usually replace switching power supplies with linear power supplies.

With the iPhono 2 I used three different linear power supplies, the SBooster, a lab Pyramid regulated supply and the Uptone Audio linear supply (it has two outputs which can each be configured for different voltages and used simultaneously) which is like having two units in one. The Uptone costs about $975 but it is definitely the best. I use one now to power my music server which consists of a Mac mini with the SMPS gutted and an iFi iUSB 3.0.

I didn’t intend to change the topic of discussion but I did want to answer your query.