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.
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.
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.
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- 52 posts total
- 52 posts total