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

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.

Geek101:

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

I am not the arbiter for such things :) I think my Ana Mighty Sound modified Denon 103r (103.3) sounds much better with it. The Audio Technica ART 1000 simply sounds sublime with the EQ 500 and they bring the best out of each other.

I can only write for myself; stating that fact, I’d probably not go for the EQ 500 unless I was looking at cartridges $5k and above. There are always exceptions :)

Now please note, I’m  writing about myself. If you have a cartridge you love and you feel like the EQ 500 or any stage would do it justice then by all means proceed. This is an individual journey and no one can tell you what you like, although I can think of a few on this forum who will attempt to tell you what you should like and why :)

audiofun, Thank you. This does put things into perspective for me. I appreciate it :).

Geek101:

My pleasure.

I just purchased a Goldnote PH 10 it sounds almost as good as my $7000 rig and is much more versatile !