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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
wolfie62
353 posts
 

@ozzy62 

That was before I finished my project. Really before my settlement was finalized. 
 

I still have that equipment, in my old listening room. My, what a difference a settlement makes….. But I stand by what I said. Unless you have a quarter Mil laying around. Then diminishing returns are a perk!

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,161 posts
 

Pictures or it didn’t happen……

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
951 posts
 

My past boss used to say, "Put or shut up".  I always put up.

Come on wolfie62, time to put up.  And if all that you say is true, then good for you to have such a top-flight system.  I would enjoy seeing it posted.  It's always nice to learn from others just what they came up with for matching and synergy.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,161 posts
 

Don’t hold yer breath.

macg19
943 posts
 

This is where I ended up after auditioning several units in my price range based on the recommendations of a of a trustworthy shop owner here in SoCal.

I wish I started here...

  • Goldnote PH-10 and PSU-10 (way under your budget)
  • Clearaudio Performance DC with Tracer tonearm
  • Hana ML

Good enough of a base to upgrade the cart when the Hana wears out and plenty of gain to deal with a lower output MC. (The Hana is 0.4mv and the gain is set to -3 db, the lowest MC setting which = 62 db of gain)

More to discover