Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2

@dover 

Thanks for sharing your insight into the potential weaknesses of the analog software.  

I think the record that CH Precision offers for gain testing is essentially a small version of the Analog Magik software.  The Analog Magik software works by taking the output cables from the phono stage, and plugging that into a USB Phono Plus phono pre-amp circuit (which itself could have some limitations), which is connected to a computer running the Analog Magik software, while the Analog Magik test LP's are playing. 

In a couple of months, once my ears are used to the sound from the current settings on the CH Precision P1, I'll experiment with the voltage settings. 

Thanks again. 

Dear @drbond  :  " In a couple of months..." every one has his own " strategy " to make tests/comparisons.

For me 2+ months is non adequated because in that time our ears/brain will be accustom to that specific sound overall " colorations ". Rigth now you like what you listen to and I think is the rigth time to start to make the voltage vs current comparisons, doing it before our brain been a little or to much sticky with the current mode. Could be that maybe you will like more one of your cartridges with the current mode and the other with the voltage mode. Again, I think is the rigth time.

But as I said each one decides about.

R.

Take a view on  Tube Kronos Phono preamp

2 inputs, RIAA options full Tube Operation.

You can see it in my system, sounds superb.

So, it's been about 6 months since I bought the CH Precision P1/X1, and it has been a very good experience.  I haven't listened to any digital since I've had the P1/X1 installed, which is a good sign.  

The main distinction with this phono stage is that it does make me feel like I am at the venue, as opposed to making me feel like the performers are in the room with me.  I attribute the latter experience, of feeling like performers are in the room, to the "bloom" that comes with the tube sound.  I'll have to admit that occasionally, I do miss that "bloom" distortion, but I do get that experience if I switch out my Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier with the Lamm L2 pre-amplifier, which gives more of a tube sound.  But one day of the "bloom" is enough for me, and then I begin to tire of it, and want the natural sound of the Ypsilon / CH Precision P1 combination.  Overall, I the phono stage produces significant clarity and detail, without becoming sterile.  

An audiophile friend, who's been in vinyl for decades (and mostly enjoyed a SET set-up) visited recently and listened to the P1/X1.  He was impressed so much that he bought one for himself.  While I never tried the voltage mode on this phono stage, he did try it.  He said that the background sound / noise was worse via the voltage mode, as compared to the current mode.  He also said that the voltage mode had less defined imaging. 

Thanks to everyone who recommended looking into these current mode phono stages.  

@drbond , my experience with current mode phono stages pretty much mirrors yours. 

Whether or not you hear the venue or get the effect that the musician is in the room is more a function of the recording than anything else. What I find the distortion inherent in many tube designs does is blur the image, Outlines become less distinct. Remember, we have essentially the same speakers.