Thanks for sharing your experiences with the various phono stages that you've heard.
I'll have to look more closely at Constellation. . . I imagine it would be quite similar to the CH Precision.
Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2
Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2. I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!
The next phase of my system now needs attention: the phono stage. Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers).
I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT). I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.
I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT. I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range.
Thanks.
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The only problem with FM Acoustics 122 Mk2 phono is it has a max gain of 56db only. While it goes well with its own high gain preamps, it can sound like lacking life and vigour through a regular preamp with 12-18db gain. It is not its true sound, but simply the gain structure issue. I have heard it doing that multiple times when paired with non FM preamps. |
@pani never knew that about the low gain - I guess you are then forced to get a full FM amplification chain £££$$$€€€ 😂 @drbond i have heard some CH precision at a show and found the set up a tad cold The constellation is probably voiced like my Vendetta SCP2A and that is (to my ears at least) kind of dark chocolatey in that it is warm but not not fuzzy. It’s got a knack of making you listen and draws you in. Many say the Mares/Connoisseur @jcarr is incredible but they are no longer manufactured |
Here is a great comparison of state of the art phono's FM Acoustics, Goldmund etc - an excellent read - you can use google translate. It is well worth it.
6台顶级唱放对比测试，超跑级黑胶系统为参考（1）唱放之间的差异，远远超出我们的脑放，尤其在参考级唱盘上。
11台顶级唱放对比测试，超跑级黑胶系统为参考（2）德国Trinity黄金参考前级的加入，把本次测试推向了高潮。
12台顶级唱放对比测试，黑胶元年真的来了（3）顶级玩家那里黑胶一直没有衰落，软硬件革命性突破更是火上加油。
唱放中的"金陵十二钗": 唱放测试终结篇（4）哪个是黛玉？哪个是宝钗？大家最关心的可能是哪个是秦可卿。。。
Personally I find current mode input mc phono stages such as the van den hul grail to be the most transparent and musical - step up transformers have phase shifts and cartridge matching issues, fet's are grainy, and tubes whilst very musical can be too noisy for some. I have settled on a bespoke current mode mc input combined with tube preamp - ultra low noise, high resolution and musical. The current mode mc input I use can amplify from cartridges with output down to 0.1mv with ease. |
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