2. analog
  3. 150900-124353

Phono stage for my system?

I am getting back into my vinyl collection and would like some recommendations from vinyl enthusiasts. My equipment includes the following. 

Ayre K-5xe pre-amp - no phono stage
Pro-ject Debut III turntable with stock Ortofon cartridge (OM 5e I believe)
Proceed HPA2 amp
Aerial Acoustics Model 8b speakers

I am currently using the phono stage in my Integra video processor/pre-amp the signal from which passes through the Ayre pre-amp. I find it lacking in detail and soundstage even when listening to some excellent DG and Decca classical recordings. I realize my cartridge may pose some limitations, so let me know if you view that as an area for potentially greater improvement. 

Given the level of my turntable and cartridge, my budget is up to $1,000 for the phono stage, with the understanding I may choose to upgrade the cartridge or turntable in the future.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

sameyers1
technick
140 posts
 
For a quick upgrade in sound, I’d strongly recommend a Schiit Mani phono pre and a Nagaoka MP-110.
I normally use a modded/upgraded EAR 834p and a Goldring 1022, but the Mani and Nagaoka surprised me at how great the combo sounds. 
The Mani is only $129, and the Nagaoka is aprox $120-$140. 
The Ortofon OM5e is at the bottom tier of the Ortofon line of carts, and is most likely the first thing you may want to upgrade. 
jrapp
24 posts
 
I’ll second Noromance’s (and Technic, we were both writing simultaneously)  suggestion on the Schiit Mani, it’s undeniably amazing. However, I’d spend an extra $25 on a Nagaoka 110 which runs circles around my 2M Blue in an honest a/b. The Naga isn’t quite as warm as the Ortofon but the detail is more in line with a mid-range MC than a MM. You’ll have quite an amazing sounding vinyl setup on the cheap. The good part is you won’t have to make any apologies to anyone (including yourself) for having spent so little. If you are feeling too guilty about spending so little you could always step up to the Nagaoka MP200 for around $325 and have a setup that sounds more like you spent $2500 than $474! That’s what I did, although it feels really weird using $1500 worth of Synergistic ICs to connect it all, but I had them already.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Op.
I have used and owned both the Dynavector P3 mk3 and various Graham Slee models.

As you just acknowledged the Slee cater for mm carts only ( on their lower tier models) where a homc will work obviously.

Out of those pair I think the Slee was more dynamic in its presentation although the outboard PS which the P3 lacks may have accounted for some of that.

By all accounts the P3 mk4 is not a massive change over the mk3 so sonic signature should be similar.

And a huge nod yes to a Nagoaka cart, I bought the mp150 and was/ am very impressed for the cost
tochsii
79 posts
 
I got back into vinyl a yr ago & had the same feeling.  I bought a Jolida JD-9 on this sight & I love it.  I think it was $900 & purchased on this site.
sameyers1 OP
138 posts
 
Thanks for your additional recommendations and comments regarding  the Schiit Mani, Nagaoka cartridges, Graham Slee vs. Dynavector and Jolida JD-9.  
More to discover