If I remember correctly the loading on the PH2 was done inside by soldering resistors. I got Vishay resistors and set for my cartridge. But then the ARC PH2 was released in 1993. Nearly 30 years ago. The advances in phono stages has been jaw dropping since then.
What is the best tonearm for a SOTA Nova turntable?
I haven't played an LP for a while now. I've moved from CD's to streaming both Tidal and my own rips from a Roon Nucleus plus. My SOTA Nova with an ET2 arm has been sitting idle along with hundreds of high quality LP's. I've heard that the ET2 is not a good match with the SOTA, and may be the weak point in my analog chain. (SOTA-ET2-Lyra Kleos -Allnic 1201 phono stage- ARC Ref6- PS Audio-BHK300 amps-Reference 3a Grand Veena speakers and unnamed sub system.
My digital system with a Holo May DAC and Roon with HQP trounces the analog system pretty soundly.
I'd like to resurrect the analog system as I have read that I'm missing out not using it.
My question is, where can I make the most improvement for the least cash outlay?
I'd like to keep the SOTA table, but everything else is expendable.
Thanks in advance for some help.
-John
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- 65 posts total
@ghdprentice Maybe I should have stuck with it? |
@gyneguy225 Have fun with the Kiseki! For Balanced out ( and in ) phono be aware of the Audiospecials Phonolab . Not a tube unit tho... I am their dealer so will refrain from subjective commentary. I do have a gently used demo unit available. |
I'm leaning toward the ARCRef3 phono. It may be expensive but apparently it's the best in the US and holds its value. It's a good mate for my ARC REF6 preamp. For a while, I thought that vinyl was fading, but it seems to be making a comeback. Audio is my hobby. So, I guess it's ok to spend some money on it. I don't drive fast expensive cars. What's a retired 71 yo to do? |
I agree with others on their adulations of the ARC Ref 3/3SE phono stage (I have a 3SE). It will ascend you above the fray of the ~3K phono stages. It was a big difference when I upgraded from $3K stages to this next level. Also my VAC Renaissance SE phono is above the fray, just a different voicing than the ARC and a bit more fidgety with tube rolling :) I also prefer using a quality outboard SUT, even with the 3SE. But it’s absolutely not necessary, and very specific to your cartridge choice. A SOTA Nova with a great vintage arm (ET2, FR64fx, etc) and MC cartridge (your choice - I’ve successfully used many) will absolutely scale brilliantly with a top class phono stage. I know because I’ve tried that. It’s uncomfortably close to my Clearaudio Master Innovation lol. |
- 65 posts total