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Phono Stage That's not Schiit

I purchased a Rega P3 with their EYL2 cart installed - a big step up from my previous TT. I also picked up a Schiit Mani phono stage - hoping it would suffice - but I now know it's the weak point in my set-up. This is running through a Krell S-550i and N804s. I'm ready to upgrade the phono stage and have been reading threads here, but a lot of what is recommended is at higher cost then what I spent on the P3/EYL2. I don't anticipate upgrading the TT in the near future, but  the cart - yes. I'm hoping to find a phono stage for >$1k than will bring out the best of what I have. The  Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 is one I'm looking at. I would prefer a warmer sound since the Krell is already cool-ish for me. I could go higher than $1k, I'm just not sure my rig warrants it. any suggestions would be appreciated.

 
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mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I also have a Schiit Mani and consider it the weak link.  
Just wondering if anyone has tried the QHW  "The Vinyl" phono pre from Spain. Michael Fremer raved about this inexpensive amp. $750.
hudsonhawk
137 posts
 
Dynaudio P75 is an incredible value and under $1k, even less if you get one used. Really flexible loading options, so it’s one that can stick around in your system for a long time. It was the component that lasted the longest in my system by far before finally getting replaced by a PS Audio Stellar last year.
lewm
13,094 posts
 
You wrote, "I'm hoping to find a phono stage for >$1k..."  Greater than $1K, in other words.  But I am thinking you meant to say "less than $1K". In any case, you got a lot of suggestions for units hovering around $1K in price.  Maybe that is because some others were as confused as me.  These days there is a plethora of good sounding phono stages for less than $1K.  To the list, I would add another, the iFi iPhono3.  I think the price now pushes the $1000 upper limit that I am assuming.  Look for Fremer's review on his blog or in S'phile.  He loved it.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op has gotten a lot of recommendations

i would suggest a lehmann as a no nonsense, very quiet and good sounding choice... not euphonic, just quiet, pure, with plenty of gain

parenthetically, i think hudson below means a DYNAVECTOR p75...  it is a good unit, especially with dynavector carts, but it can be a little finicky with noise
jeffrey75's avatar
jeffrey75
109 posts
 
Up for consideration OP is a Audiokultura phono stage, the Iskra 1(Milfex Copper caps) IMO is an animal when it comes to pulling out micro and macro detail from my LP's. Resolute, composed, quiet, quick, and spot on neutral, there are positive online reviews to which you can read from.

QHW Audio, I took a hard look at The Vinyl after they posted one here with links to MF's review.  Their all discrete approach, class A RIAA filter included with less than .1% error, and 36V power supply are intriguing to me.




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