2. amps-preamps
  3. 177104-150026

Best Phono Stage

Hi all,

I need some advise on a really good sounding phono stage to go with MC turntable set up in the $5k or so bracket. I am completely new to vinyl and realise there a lot here in terms of arm/cart matching MC,MM and I think moving iron but if you could point me in the direction of some good sounding units I can investigate compatibility etc. I don’t own a table or cart yet. I was looking at the Zesto Audio 1.2.

My goal is a liquid engaging sound with deep tight bass and air and separation on top.

Thanks in advance.

Sean

128x128lance23
scm
314 posts
 

ModWright PH 9.0X

flesh2112
5 posts
 

I have a Zesto Andros II and I love it. I sold my Mac 2600 after getting it and added the  Zesto Leto preamp. Sweet, solid sound. Not mega detailed but not too soft either.  Very flexible. I did some tube rolling to get even more to my liking. 
RF
 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,838 posts
 

Talk to Aric @aricaudio 

terry9
2,342 posts
 

@chayro  nailed it, IMO. Patience is your friend here. It's hard to do, but it pays big dividends. Right now I'm tuning my DIY tonearm, and desperately want to put a big expensive cartridge on it - just to see what it can do. But I'm holding back until I sort out all the quirks. So I understand your impatience.

But consider - until you live with something you don't really know what you like; that only comes after you realize that you've been listening for 5 hours and still want more. Not the piece of candy that dazzles you for 20 minutes in the showroom. Patience, I say, and only get serious on your next attempt.

geof3
1,129 posts
 

@lance23 I think you are going about this backwards to a degree. What is your total budget? Cart, table, tonearm, associated cables, etc? If you buy a 5k pre and a Rega P1 it’s kinda silly. That’s an extreme example. You really should investigate a table, arm and cart then go from there. There are so many pre options, SS, tubed, SUT. All have advantages and disadvantages. Some depend on your overall setup. I believe your order of operation should be table, arm, cart, pre, cabling.

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