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Phono stage shoot out: best mid priced unit?

OK am curious what the experience is with the following phono stages:

Tavish Audio Design Adagio

Gold Note PH10 with PSU 10 power supply

Manley Chinook

Whest Two.2

Pass XP12

Parasound JC3+

Sutherland 20/20

Priorities are: sound quality, flexibility and adjustability with differing cartridges, low noise, and overall quality.  I left out the Herron VTPH2a as it's out of production.

Of note I've purchased an EAT Petit, which for $1500 seemed like a good choice, but I'm wondering if spending a little more is the wiser choice.  The new Hegel V10 is also about the same price, but too new to know anything about it.

 

Thanks!

bobbydd
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

I love my Tavish the classic. Running all NOS tubes with it, GE 12au7, RCA 7025 gray plate, and a Sylvania 5157 with disc getter....sounds good to me. The Tavish Adagio will be mine, someday. Scott is a great guy, very reachable and helpful. The Adagio uses transformers in the M/C section, similar to that of the Ear 834P, which I also own.

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 

Anybody ever compare any of these to the Nagra BPS? I've been wondering if I decided to sell mine and upgrade what would be worthwhile without spending a fortune. Cheers,

Spencer

big_greg
6,660 posts
 

I have a Pass XP-15 and a Manley Chinook.  The Chinook is pretty dynamic and has nice detail and is quiet.  The XP-15 hasn't seen much use since I got my Herron VTPH-2A, but it's a very good phono stage.  Lots of drive and very quiet.

The Chinook only has 2 gain settings and you have to remove the top to change them.  The XP-15 has all the gain and loading settings on the back which is more convenient, unless you don't have access to the back.

If I was forced to choose one, I would probably keep the XP-15 for its flexibility, but I might give the Chinook a little bit of an edge in sound quality.  It would be a tough choice, they are both very good.

Neither are in the same league as the Herron VTPH-2A.  If you can find a pre-owned VTPH-2A, grab it.  I have no experience with any of the others mentioned.

avanti1960
1,487 posts
 

The Sutherland 20/20 with LPS gives me exceptionally clean, clear, smooth dynamic sound.  Perfect synergy with my tube preamp and solid state amp.  

Whether running an Audio Technica ART9, Ortofon Cadenza Blue or Lyra Delos the sound is exceptional.  

ghdprentice
7,146 posts
 

If I was in the market I would look at a used Audio Research PH8 or PH7… or the best you can afford. I have had many ARC phono stages over the last 40 years as I was able to afford better and they got better. Phono stages and preamps are the first thing I think of when I think of ARC. Keeping one from decades is not uncommon. Phono stages are so important in getting the most out of vinyl it is worth a very high level of investment.

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