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Phonostage recommendations under $3K

Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk
gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 
+1 on TRON Electric Convergence. Exceptional build and parts quality. MM-only and MC variants are available, and the Signature versions are within your budget.

I'm a TRON dealer so please take this recommendation with the appropriate amount of salt.

Cheers,
Colin

https://gestalt.audio
grk
228 posts
 
Check out the Tavish Design Adagio and you can roll tubes to get the degree of warmth you want. The only downside is that there is a 5-6 week wait for them, but occasionally, a used one will pop up for sale. : )
jperry
2,458 posts
 
You should look for an Aesthetix Rhea (used) in your price range. 

At under $3K a great phono stage.

Also a +1 on the Luxman Phono.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
Check out the Simaudio Moon 310LP with or without the power supply... very nice PS that will give you that warmth you are looking for. 
williewonka
3,082 posts
 
+1 for the Moon - I have the LP 5.3 RS - basically it’s an earlier version of the 310LP

I didn’t get the associated power supply, but I installed the best cables and it rewarded me with exceptional sound quality
- extremely detailed
- stunning clarity
- balanced/neutral tone - i.e. not pushy at any point across the frequency range
- great bass reproduction
- superb imaging
- very quiet - no hum - even at full volume (no music playing)
- can configure to most MM or MC cartridges

My only complaint is - you have to remove the cover to get to the switches to configure the unit to the cartridge - , but I’m not one for changing my cartridges, so basically I "set it and forget it"

Been using it for around 7 years and it hasn’t skipped a beat

Simaudio Moon is a Canadian company with a stellar reputation for quality designs/builds - they ripple the latest developments down to their lower end models.

I looked a photo’s of both the 5.3 and the 310 internals and I could not see any difference - so the model # change was not due to a significant internal revamp

If you are lucky you might find a previously enjoyed model.5.3 or 310

I found this demo 5.3 model
https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-preamps/simaudio-moon-lp53-silver-demo
And these used 310 models
https://tmraudio.com/simaudio-moon-310lp-mm-mc-phono-preamplifier-310-lp/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224165209480

Regards - Steve


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