That’s not quite a fair summation of my comment. I only pointed out that the stated mechanism of the base is at best questionable, because there are many reasons why it cannot possibly block or absorb EMI from the component. I then did acknowledge that it may nevertheless be beneficial in some way, but not by blocking or absorbing EMI. I am not a physicist, so if there is a flaw in my reasoning, I am happy to learn and would admit to an error, if I made one. Likewise, SR make some other questionable claims regarding some of their tweak-y products, like the PHT, which is referred to by SR as a "transducer". That word has a specific meaning, and although I have never seen a straightforward explanation of how the PHT works, I don’t see how it can be called a transducer, at least in common audiophile parlance where a transducer either converts mechanical energy into electrical energy (cartridge) or vice-versa (speaker). In the early years of SR, there were other problematic claims regarding their ICs. None of this is to say or prove that the products don’t sound good or improve SQ.
Solid State Phono Stages
I used to be an all-tube guy, but I’ve now ventured into the realm of high-end solid state with T+A and no longer have any itch to go back heavily into tubes. Now, the only tubes I have left in my system are in my Modwright PH9.0X phono, and from what I’ve demoed against it, it seems to be a giant killer. I do love it, but I’m curious to try a higher end solid state phono stage to see what more noise and more music might sound like. Unfortunately T+A does not have a standalone phono stage, so I’m looking at other manufacturers and open to other opinions.
I currently have a Clearaudio Innovation Wood table and Air Tight PC-1s cartridge. i listen to a wide range of music, from Zeppelin to Vivaldi to Beck to Coltrane to Yello. The stage would ideally have between 65-74db of gain, maybe adjustable to 60db at minimum, and have variable impedance values. A balanced output stage would be ideal. I don’t ever really plan to have a second arm, but most stages that retail over $7K tend to have multiple inputs anyways.
My budget would be at tops ~$8K for a used unit. The unit that is sticking out to me from what I’m reading about is the Simaudio Moon 810LP. Another high on the list is the Esoteric E-02. I’ve also come across the Pass XP-27, the Gold Note PH-1000.
I’m looking for a stage with some personality in its character, not one that is overly refined. I’d love for it to be dynamic and bold when it should be, and also gentle and refined when it should be.
The only solid state stages I’ve ever owned and tried were the Pass Labs Xono, which was clean sounding but a little noisy and brittle sounding compared to a PS Audio Stellar Phono. I’ve liked all my tube phono stages better than both of those units.
I’ve also considered going further up the tube stage route, looking at Doshi 3.0, Aesthetix IO Eclipse, but I’m hesitant unless I can hear those in place.
What solid stage phono stages have you loved, and what have you compared them to?
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@lewm - I wasn’t calling you out, my apologies. I was more just referring to the previous replier saying that it’s sad that the thread ends with SR. That is a very closed-minded statement that is quite baseless. I had no issues with what you personally shared and appreciate you providing more context.
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Also, not to make this thread about SR, but to provide you with further understanding of the functionality of the Tranquility Base Carbon - it does not block or absorb EMI, but it does generate a magnetic field designed to surround the component. This field drives uniformity in electromagnetism rather than blocking or absorbing it, but it is redirecting it. Rather than getting into debate about this further and detracting from this thread’s topic, I’m happy to take this into a separate thread if there are inquiries, or converse over PM. |
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