Yes, I think your system would benefit from a better phono stage. I have experience with Soundsmith cartridges and I think the ARC 3SE is the best match of the ones you mentioned but the Boulder is also a great unit.
Are You Happy With Your Phono Preamp?
I have been gradually upgrading my analogue components. Which presently consist of: SME 20/2 turntable (old but good), Kuzma 4Point Tonearm, Soundsmith Hyperion (MI) cartridge (love this), Dynavector (MC) DRT XV1, PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp (connected to ARC Ref 6, Pass Labs 160.8, Avantgarde Uno). I have to say that I am very happy with the analogue sound from this system. That said, high end audio being what it is I can’t help wondering if I am leaving some better sound on the table with the PS Audio phono preamp … though I know I should not judge by price alone. I have been looking alternative phono stages: the VTL 6.5i, ARC Reference 3SE, Boulder 508, Pass XP17 … this price range. Those who are long experienced analogue lovers … do you think I am leaving any sound quality on the table by sticking with the PS Audio phono stage? Do you believe that I would see a meaningful change in sound quality by moving to a phono stage in the price range I have been looking at?
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@chilli42 No question I had the PS audio and it is just ok and agree that you are missing some of the dynamics and air. I now have the Modwright PH9.0x with some Siemens E188CC/7308 and it is my end game. You have some great choices out there but consider the Modwright. Happy Listening |
Yes, I have a Audio Reserch Ref 3. I could not be happier. It really mates well with my ARC REF 6SE. I have had ARC phonostages since the ARC PH 2 was new. My last generation system had a Pass 350x amp and a Sim Moon DAC. The positive changes in my system were so fundamentally profound when I swapped the amp for the ARC REF 160m and again to the ARC REF CD9 DAC. The whole system took on a natural musicality and overall sonic character that is absolutely magical. The amazing bonus has been my analog and digital end sound the same (you have to have the right cartridge of course). So, I no longer need to keep thinking… wish I was listening to analog when listening to streaming. I can’t tell the difference. They both sound fantastic.
I can’t understate the synergy of all ARC together. It really brings home these guys know what they are doing in crafting the sound at all levels and nuance to capure the musical essence… and in each component… like the Phonostage and DAC having the same character and resolution. |
+1, @ghdprentice On synergy between ARC 3 and Ref 6, it’s like two peas in a pod. I used to own all ARC system (Pre, DAC and AMP) there is this unmistakable synergy in a all ARC system, they should come with a warning: no outsiders allowed 🤣 |
Definitely - the ARC Ref 3 phono & 6 pre are a natural, beautiful match. Though I don't have an ARC amp, the ARC pre+phono pairing still shines here. Of the 3 non-ARC amps I have, the 2 more clean / neutral / fast / dynamic sounding amps (Phison A2.120 SE and Rogue Apollo Dark) are turning out to be the better complement with Ref 3SE & 6. The VAC 200iQ's have a more lush / romantic / rounded sonic spin, and it does some things incredibly well with the ARC stack, but the other amps feel like more natural partners here. |
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