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Help with phono amp upgrade

Hello:  Need some input from those in the know.  My current system:
Mesa Tigris tube amp
ifi phono pre
Sansui 2050c ( older belt drive table) with Hana SL cartridge.

question:  i feel as though the IFi is very quiet and clear, but at times a bit harsh.  I’m thinking of buying
a used Sutherland PhD to improve the harshness in my system.  I’ve got around 2k to spend.  Yes, i know the table is old, but it sounds sweet and haven’t jumped at a new one... yet...

thanks ,
wb27
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,725 posts
 

I would recommend you try IFI's new power supply with your Ifi Iphono. I had the Iphono2 and it is quite a bit better then the original. Really hard to beat for anything less then $1000. The new power supply is not very expensive well under $100 and worth trying. Also I've read good results with pairing it with their Tube stage buffer. now that said...

 If your going to spend $2k I'd highly recommend you read the review I wrote last week here when I compared the Gold Note ph10 ( $1500ish)Audionote Kit ( $2000) and the Allnic 1202 ($3800). I would also like to add in these the Manley Chinook as another excellent option in that price range.

 I own the PH10 and its a wonderful Phono stage and for the money one of the best I've heard for under $2k. I'd also say the AudioNote kit phono stages (there is three) are surprisingly wonderful sounding.


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/a-night-with-three-phono-stages-allnic-1202-ank-and-goldnote-...


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Really hard to beat for anything less then $1000.

Well, i disagree. Tried both: Chinese iPhono 2 and Australian JLTi mk4 side by side.

The iPhono was creamed by JLTi mk4 which was $750 new incl. shipping. Now JLTi made mk5 with special power supply for AUD 1450 = USD 1030 including shipping worldwide from the manufacturer directly. Amazing deal and great support fom the manufacturer. JLTi brand has a long hystory in High-End audio, anyone remember  Allen Wright  ?

The iPhono often sold defective, even after defective unit was replaced by a brand new unit, the buyer noticed it’s defective again (i’ve posted the links in another thread). This is a poor quality product, because it was Made in China. However, some units are OK, they are not all defective for sure. The iPhono indeed a bit bright for MC cartridges.


williewonka
3,082 posts
 
Why not try another canadian product ? - Simaudio Moon

I have the LP5.3 RS phono stage and it will probably be the last one I buy
- silent operation
- nice balanced sound
- very detailed
- exceptional dynamic performance
- very configurable

The more recent 310LP is basically the same model - just a bit more configurable
https://simaudio.com/en/product/neo-310lp-phono-preamplifier/

Check for previously enjoyed models - you can sometimes get a bargain

You do not need to get the external power supply - just use a good power cable + good interconnects to get best results

Regards - Steve
wb27 OP
39 posts
 
Thanks all !

my local shop is letting me try an Allnic H-1201s.
so far I’m mighty impressed... everything is more real.  I’m hearing more bass, more presence.  I’m a clarinetist so I had to hear that first- just amazing !  Almost makes me want to upgrade the turntable for MORE...
rsf507
2,350 posts
 
Have to agree with @glennewdick that the Gold Note PH10 is wonderful and can be had for around $1300ish new.
Check out the recent review in Positive Feedback on-line.
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