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Phono Amp for new Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3

I am looking for a phono stage that let my Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3 discover its full potential. What are your thoughts driven by experience? I tried new Chord Huey ($1495) but I have a feeling its an underperformer considering Rega's $7k price tag. Similar situation with Rega Aria - will it be enough? Any Aria users out there? 
The Rega's top of the line Aura is severely overpriced in US and honestly I am not sure I fully justify spending that much on a phono stage.
Any recommendations greatly appreciated! 
arturgorniak
jcoehler's avatar
jcoehler
228 posts
 
If you can swing it its worth the stretch to around $3k or so, because that will get you into the Herron VTPH2A which is right up there among the very best yet cheaper and more reliable than any of them.

+1 on this recommendation. I have the Apheta 3 paired with the VTPH2A using the 'infinite load' and I think it sounds fantastic.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,943 posts
 
If you can't afford the Herron, the Gold Note PH-10 or the Parasound JC3 Junior are excellent.  I opted for the Junior over the PH-10, having owned both.
rsf507
2,241 posts
 
Another vote for the PH10 based on SQ and versatility
arturgorniak OP
80 posts
 
I have no experience with neither phono stages - PH10 and VTPH2A. I did some reading about the Heron phono and could not really find a negative review. 
($3.7k sounds pretty steep thou. Knowing that the dealer mark up is usually 40%...I could consider one let's say 20%.....)

How about Manley Chinook? or Chord Symphonic? Does anybody have any experience with those? 

wlutke
719 posts
 
I have the Rega rp-10 and Apheta 2 with the Herron for a year.  The combination is rock solid.  So glad I didn’t cheap out and settle for less. Still grinning after 300 plays.  Ask for a discount.  
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