2. analog
  3. 160884-9095

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
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 
@lalitk
That’s awesome that you’re going to try a few phono stages in your own system, which is the only real way to do it. Looking forward to any conclusions you’d like to share.

My own curiosity towards the new Hagerman Trumpet MC was piqued enough that I’ve ordered one, so I can judge for myself whether a "killer" $1K phono stage is really possible. I don’t expect it to beat or match the VAC Renaissance I love so much, but I’ll be impressed as hell if it gets as close as I think it might? Other contenders so far have fallen far short when plopped in the main rig (ahem, super-value end-all $3K stage).

WONDERFUL system you have, and of course I’m proud to share the Canterbury GR in my own system.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,550 posts
 
@mulveling,

Thanks for your kind words. I’ve been a long time admirer of your audio system. I figured just as much to try few phono’s and see which one of these phono pre sounds best in my system.

Please do post your impressions of Hagerman Trumpet MC here. It will be very interesting to learn how Trumpet performs against VAC Renaissance.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,550 posts
 
@photomax,

Based on what I’ve heard with ZPhono XRM, you will be more than pleased with JC3+. The meticulous dual mono design and low-carbon mild steel partitions isolating the power supplies should yield inky background and lowest noise floor. One thing that impressed me is their on the fly cart adjustments. It is a tweaker’s delight :-)

Please post your feedback at your earliest convenience, thank you!
grk
223 posts
 
I am hoping to receive the Lux within the next 7-10 days.
mjmcubfn
37 posts
 
Pass XP15 or 17, if you can find one used, it should be under your budget.
More to discover