Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ -OR- Moon 110lp v2 -OR- Parasound ZPhono XRM Phono

@grislybutter I just picked up the same Phonomena ll+ used from a local guy.  Definitely check the settings and make sure the gain is at it's lowest setting - all dip switches down I believe.  I have a Rega p6 with Exact 2 cart with similar high output to the Elys 2.  The Phonomena ll + is quite dynamic, maybe too much so for the Rega carts.  I do like what I am hearing for the most part but I seem to be getting more noise (clicks and pops) even in the lowest gain setting.  Loading is best at 47K for me so far.

@pkatsuleas

I did screw up the settings, back to fixing it!

So, yes, I found the details. It's super crisp and bright. Is there a way to tone it down to more neutral with the load and gain settings?

@grislybutter 

I am a relative newb to vinyl and still learning about load, gain, different carts, etc.  But I don't think there is much more you can do except put the gain on the lowest setting and play around with the loading.  I bought the PH ll+ because of it's flexibility and MC cart capability.  I am considering trying the Ania MC cart sometime in the future.  But, I may have to look for a phonostage that's a little more tame!  Still experimenting and listening. 

I will say that keeping your vinyl as clean as possible will definitely help reduce noise.  I've become somewhat obsessed with dust, humidity, etc.

@pkatsuleas 

yeah, I am on the lowest on the gain :)

I agree with you, the vinyl has to be clean. I have some that sound absolutely terrible from the most anal, recording quality obsessed musicians.

Time to learn vinyl clean for me on the cheap. 

@grislybutter 

Best of luck!  Vinyl takes some work with many variables to consider.  But, I've heard it sound fantastic even on my modest system.