Solid State Phono Stages


I used to be an all-tube guy, but I’ve now ventured into the realm of high-end solid state with T+A and no longer have any itch to go back heavily into tubes. Now, the only tubes I have left in my system are in my Modwright PH9.0X phono, and from what I’ve demoed against it, it seems to be a giant killer. I do love it, but I’m curious to try a higher end solid state phono stage to see what more noise and more music might sound like. Unfortunately T+A does not have a standalone phono stage, so I’m looking at other manufacturers and open to other opinions.

I currently have a Clearaudio Innovation Wood table and Air Tight PC-1s cartridge. i listen to a wide range of music, from Zeppelin to Vivaldi to Beck to Coltrane to Yello. The stage would ideally have between 65-74db of gain, maybe adjustable to 60db at minimum, and have variable impedance values. A balanced output stage would be ideal. I don’t ever really plan to have a second arm, but most stages that retail over $7K tend to have multiple inputs anyways.

My budget would be at tops ~$8K for a used unit. The unit that is sticking out to me from what I’m reading about is the Simaudio Moon 810LP. Another high on the list is the Esoteric E-02. I’ve also come across the Pass XP-27, the Gold Note PH-1000.

I’m looking for a stage with some personality in its character, not one that is overly refined. I’d love for it to be dynamic and bold when it should be, and also gentle and refined when it should be.

The only solid state stages I’ve ever owned and tried were the Pass Labs Xono, which was clean sounding but a little noisy and brittle sounding compared to a PS Audio Stellar Phono. I’ve liked all my tube phono stages better than both of those units.

I’ve also considered going further up the tube stage route, looking at Doshi 3.0, Aesthetix IO Eclipse, but I’m hesitant unless I can hear those in place. 

What solid stage phono stages have you loved, and what have you compared them to?

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@holmz You’re probably right about me keeping the PH9.0X. Even if I did buy a solid state stage, I’m not sure I would let go of it. As a tube unit it has bested some Allnics, the Herron VTPH-2A, the Rogue Ares Magnum, and Fosgate Signature Phono. In terms of tube stages the Luxman EQ-500 also caught my attention and there is another thread where I comment on that in this forum. I’ve been advocating for the PH9.0X for years, so this is just my never ending curiosity just to say “I tried that”.

^Understood.^
It is some of this (I’ve tried that) that moved me to an upgrade.

Now looking to whether I set of a garage system with the ARC, and a cheap table, or move it on. (Etc.) It is not a high $ phono stage, but pretty good for 30+ years old.

Most of the ones you’ve mentioned should be good. I have no experience with the Sutherland, but if I was a hardcore MC guy, I would be taking a look if I had not gotten a stage with the SUTs built in.

@ghdprentice 

I had a K&K Audio Maxxed Out pre for almost 20 years and loved it. Before that I had a few tube preamps with phono stages. Most recently I was using a Fosgate Signature phono stage which was also very good. The SPL, as I mentioned above, is more dynamic with better bass. But it also unravels details in complex recordings a little better.

I have just learnt the the Brand Phasemation does not seem to have a supply chain within the USA, so the E-350 Model Phon' is not looking like it is a Stock Item within the Country.

That is a shame, as it does present in a manner that is very attractive.

 

I have a Tom Evans that is a fantastic SS phono.  I'd be willing to send to you for an audition.  Happy Listening.

Tom Evans phono stages are good BUT the company has been very unreliable over the years.