2. analog
  3. 166403-107227

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.

 
128x128steverrino
lewm
13,199 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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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
110 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.




hudsonhawk
137 posts
 
@jjss49 Oh geez, what a dumb mistype. Yes absolutely meant Dynavector. 
naimfan
166 posts
 
Just get a Rega Fono. There’s a used one on the web for $200. Made for the Elys2/Exact2. Matches perfectly - no fuss, sounds good, reliable, and with great support from a real company - enough of the BS single guy operating out of a proverbial garage.

Edit - no, no connection to seller in MN.  
More to discover