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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mayoradamwest
430 posts
 
Listening to the Ayre P-5xe right now. It’s an excellent phono stage. Highly recommended. I’ll be switching to a Boulder 508, but I don’t think it’s going to be a huge difference. This Ayre seems like it punches above its weight class. 
slimpikins5's avatar
slimpikins5
191 posts
 
Having used a Gold Note PH10 for about two months; I agree with one of the above posts that is was "Okay" not great, but OK.   
I have a very resolving system here and it was noisy to me.  The low end was just OK.  The upper end was lacking in sound stage and imaging.  The mid range was very good; that was its strong point.

Anyway, its out of here and replaced this summer with a Whest Three Signature... honestly the Whest is leagues ahead.   In fact it is so much nicer that I just ordered an upper level Whest.  I will report back once I get it installed and do some comparison to the Three.

sameyers1 OP
140 posts
 
@mayoradmwest thanks for the confirmation of the Ayre unit's abilities.  @slimpikins5, the Whest is way above my budget even for a pre-owned unit.  Trying to stay within $1,000 or maybe a bit more for a great pre-owned unit.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Actually there are so many phono stages available on the market, and we have some new every year. It is hard to imagine that any of us can try them all to compare. The questions like this makes no sense, we always end up with a list of different phono stages and personal opinions, but we're all have different cartridges, completely different systems and totally different musical preferences. But more important that none of us never tried all different phono stages. In my opinion this is individual path, it is not necessary that you will like what other people recommend. 
jrapp
24 posts
 
Chakster

We all know you are right, but enjoy the debate anyway!
More to discover