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Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive

I posted previously in search of a phono preamplifier, but as I put together a system I refined what I was looking for.

My current Analog food chain consists of Technics 1200G turntable, Hana ML cartridge, unknown phono preamplifier, McIntosh MA12000 integrated, Sabrina X, pair of REL S/812 subs.  Also, Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner and a mix of Alpha V2 NR and Venom V10NR power cables.  Other cables: AQ Earth balanced interconnects, William Tell full range speaker cables.  Also, had to make some room acoustic modifications.

So, here is the problem.  I just got a Holo May DAC DTE and have been streaming by Roon, mostly purchased and ripped files on a Synology NAS.  The problem is that my digital side sounds much more musical than my analog.  Part of the remedy is on the way with 3" Tiger Maple equipment rack, but digital and analog are not close.  My Sutherland 20/20 LPT is going back.  It has limited front/back sound stage and the upper mids and treble are a bit shrill.  I say this because the Holo is just beautifully musical throughout.

Music Direct will be taking Sutherland back and has suggested the Esoteric E-02 Balanced as a solution.  So this post I'm raising my budget to 9-10K new, or used and prefer balanced out.  Looking for detail, dynamics and silent background.  I just can't have the digital so much more enjoyable... of course there is always selling all analog and staying digital, but that doesn't feel right.  

So, where do I go for balanced out and more musical, but retaining micro detail and dynamics?

vonhelmholtz
hdm
1,057 posts
 

You might find you'd get more responses if you had this in the analog forum. 

What settings are you using on the Sutherland with the Hana. If you are using 64 dB of gain I would immediately change the gain to 58 dB and loading to 100 ohms and at least try that before sending it back. 64 dB of gain with that cartridge would definitely contribute to what you're describing and hearing IMO. 

If you are already set at 58 dB and 100 ohms (which should be essentially ideal for that cartridge) I'd carry on and look elsewhere at other equipment but that is a rabbit hole of course. Typical of the hobby. 

cwory
8 posts
 

Consider looking at the Zesto Audio line of phono preamps. It is a smaller brand but consistently get great reviews. They are tube based amps that perform well above their price point and can be found within your price range. 

bpoletti
1,540 posts
 

Stop worrying about an upgrade.  Hold out for a used Herron VTPH-2A.  There are no further upgrades available.  

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,421 posts
 

@hdm I have Sutherland KC Vibe II set at 60db gain, 200ohm load with my Hana ML. Hana recommends >100ohm but to your point, there’s no harm in trying and may be worth a shot for the OP. 
One other thing I discovered with the ML is it’s super sensitive to VTA. Also, on my table it sounds better with 2.04gr of VTF which is slightly higher than the Hana recommended max of 2gr. 

johnss
566 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz that holo audio dac has upped the ante on the analog side of your rig. would agree with your idea to send back the Sutherland. You may want to look for a used VTL TP 6.5. Its the best phono stage I have heard until you get into the Boulder 2018 which is better but does not blow the vtl away. 

also if you can, come out of the 6.5 phono stage completely balanced into your pre. Have tried it both ways, makes a huge difference. 

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