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Best cost no object tube phono

Hi Agoners,


just upgraded everything to SS Accuphase, loving it and have no intention to go back to tube pre/power. However, I have to admit that I miss a bit of tube sweetness particularly on mid. What is the best cost no object tube phono stage?

Thanks in advance for any advices
uwiikz
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@uwiikz, you want quiet? Check out the Channel D Seta L20. If you have money to burn this is the one. It is the quietest phono stage on the market and gives you a choice of current or voltage modes.
If you have to have a tube unit go for one that has at most 56 dB of gain and add a SUT. With the right tubes this kind of set up can be very quiet.
jg2077
159 posts
 
I have personal experience with the following;  please consider the following, 

Boulder 2008 or 2108
Ypsilon , all silver if possible. 
DSA Phono - full of features.

You won't regret either one of these. 

Respectfully, 
Jose

jg2077
159 posts
 
One more to consider,  however I have not owned this particular unit is the too of the line VAC phono.

One was available here on Agon, however,  I didn't buy it....

Respectfully, 
Jose
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,881 posts
 
EAR-Yoshino 912, which throws in a line stage for free. Read the 5-man tribute to EAR designer-builder Tim de Paravicini in the new Stereophile.
inna
7,303 posts
 
These are all child toys. Cost no object who gives a damn phono stage is custom built for you. Choose any designer. Some won’t do for less than $1 million. Too much ? In any case, any aligned and calibrated Studer with master tape dub will outperform any million dollar phono stage along with that funny 300 pounds rotating platter.
Don’t waste your money, even if it is your money. Get any of those for double the cost of your cartridge and that will do it.
And if you want real high performance - that’s tape, my man.
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