2. amps-preamps
  3. 190054-181705

Phono pre amp recommendations? - upgrading from ICON AUDIO PS1 MK II

hey everyone, I am kindly asking for your phono pre amp recommendations, especially if you have experience with my current amp (icon audio PS1 MKII).

for the first time in my audio journey right now my system is so close to perfect (to my ears) and im incredibly happy about that. my current set up is Marantz tt15 turntable with dynavector 20x2 cartridge, primaluna prologue premium integrated and elysian 4 speakers. its very transparent, detailed, smooth, open, and in my opinion pretty neutral. when I swapped out my phono pre amp for one that my friend made(also tube design), it was like everything came to life, I couldn’t believe I was listening to the same system as I was 5 minutes ago. everything had more weight, and was more life like, it was darker and yet more lively, the vocals jumped out in front: so detailed and life like yet smooth and warm and not edgy or sharp or fatiguing like I often hear. it is currently the sound I am chasing (my friend will not sell this amp, or make another one like it, some friend huh?).

can anyone recommend a phono pre in the 3-4k range that can accomplish most or at least some of these qualities? my conclusions are that the icon audio is great, tonnes of headroom, detail, smooth, super quiet, big soundstage, but that it is too neutral for my ears and system and not warm enough, or its too polite, it seems to disappear in the system which may be a great quality for some.

does anyone have experience with this amp and can make a recommendation for an amp that has more warmth richness and weight (and forwardness?) in the midrange without giving up the other qualities I mentioned? I’m not looking for that vintage mushy sweet tube sound, more looking for what I have with just a hint more of that magic lol.

a couple of amps I am looking into are the modwright ph9, lab12 melto 2, and Allnic h-5500 (although a bit out of my budget).

I would appreciate and advice you can give me or any experience you can share with me.

thanks so much

 

 

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jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,040 posts
 

Iam familiar with your Icon. This phono preamp response well with tube rolling.Call upscale audio they can guide on what sound you want to hear.You can save a lot of money by just doing tube rolling.I own the Icon ps3 phono pre.Grant fidelity from Canada do have quality tubes as well.

big_greg
6,623 posts
 

I'm not familiar with the phono stage you have, but your tastes sound similar to mine.

There's a Cary Audio VT-500 available below your budget or you can buy one new from Cary direct for just a little over your budget.  I replaced my Herron VTPH-2A (which I thought would never happen) with the VT-500 and am very happy with it.  It's on the warmish side, but has plenty of detail and is very dynamic.  I use MC cartridges on my main table, but have a second table with a MM cart on it.  MM carts sound better on the Cary than any other phono stage I've owned by far.  Being able to switch back and forth between the two tables is a nice feature.

For reference, I've also had a Manley Chinook, and the Herron phono stage was a big step up from that.  I still have the VTPH-2A, but it got moved to a second system.

I haven't heard the MW PH9, but did own a LS100 preamp.  The Modwright sound leans a little more towards neutral and might be a sideways step.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,040 posts
 

Your friend phono preamp just happen to match your system and your ears taste. It does not mean it’s better than your Icon.I tube roll and use silver phono cable till I get the sound preference I like.Buying new components, there is no guarantee it will match your system.

awise1961
47 posts
 

About a month ago I bought a ModWright PH9.0XT and I'm very happy with it. It replaced my Aesthetix Rhea which was a great phono stage but after about 10 years I was going to send it in for an upgrade to the Signature level. That upgrade would have been $4K. I sold the Rhea and purchased the new ModWright from The Music Room. I played the new MW pre for a couple of weeks then being the tube roller that I am, I replaced the Sovtek 5AR4 rectifier tube with a 1962 vintage NOS Mullard GZ34 (Euro equivalent for 5AR4) and the JJ 6922 tubes with 1961 vintage NOS Valvo 6922's. That rolling payed off with deeper bass and bigger soundstage. I know that the unit is still breaking in, but again I am greatly satisfied. For what it's worth, I also have a Primare R35 and a Modsquad Phono Drive as solid state backups.

soix
9,456 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for I’d put Allnic high on your list of models to explore. Best of luck in finding what you’re looking for.  Or, better yet, have your friend build you another one of his phono preamps!

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