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I need help regarding tube phono preamplifiers

To the Audiogon community. I am currently considering one of three possible all tube phono preamps to incorporate in my two channel system. The three phono stages are 1.Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp 2.Zesto Andros Deluxe II phono stage and 3. Vac Renaissance phono preamp. I will incorporate the stand alone phono preamp into my McIntosh C48 preamp and utilize a Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a Clearaudio Universal tonearm and Kiseki Purple Heart phono cartridge. If anyone has experience to help me compare the differences between these phono stages I would greatly appreciate the input. Thanks.

andyhifiman
livin_262002
184 posts
 

Having heard and owning Rhea Signature, I completely agree with Jim. I have to warn you that Rhea is very very sensitive to tube quality (noise and microphony). 

mikelavigne
2,148 posts
 

the CS Port C3EQM2 is outstanding in that price range. battery powered, and superb with an SUT. it’s got three inputs, two of them MM for SUT’s. i run 2 SUT’s with mine.

https://www.csport.audio/products/products-c3eqm2-en.html

i’ve owned this phono stage for 3 years and it’s a giant killer. the USA importer is on Long Island, NY. 

rdk777's avatar
rdk777
567 posts
 

I prefer phonostages with balanced output - typically has a lower noise floor. The Aesthetix seems to have the highest gain of 75 dB which gives you flexibility to try a wider range of low output mc cartridges.  

dodgealum
1,398 posts
 

If you are committed to going with a tube unit I would urge you to focus your attention on noise and reliability. A big reason the Herron is so well loved is because it is insanely quiet and bulletproof. See what you can find out among users of the units you are considering. 

tablejockey
3,790 posts
 

"We here have heard that Herron and DecWare are way better."

fuzztone in for comedy relief in these troubled times. Left out is Tekton Moabs will be the cherry on top.

All 3 are good at what they do. You would need all 3 in your setup for the "Goldilocks" decision on what to keep. I've demoed a Zesto  in it's earlier incarnation-very nice.

If you're open to other options, this listing could be a good deal since used is always negotiable. Made in USA and tube rectified like the Aesthetix

 

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