Another vote for Sutherland. If you're using a low output moving coil cartridge, the TZ Vibe is excellent and a small form factor. I'm using it with a Hana ML moving coil cartridge.
Phono stage for second system
My winter project is here. Trying to set up a second system for my home office.
Will by mainly a vinyl system.
Space is an issue as the room is only 12 by 14.
Any suggestions for a small foot print phono stage in the 3-4 K price range. Probably solid state, but open to tubes as long as the unit is one box solution.
Thanks and happy Thanksgiving.
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"open to tubes as long as the unit is one box solution." Good: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650160664-manley-chinook-phono-pre-amp/ "Better" https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650160529-primaluna-evo-100-tube-phono-preamp/ Both have been demoed in my setup. Currently using PL which at the price, is easily comparable in sound/build of $4K+ units. Since SQ is personal, build quality unquestionably will be on par-likely better than any $4K+ unit. Both have a standard footprint, but worthy of consideration based on listed price. |
Within your budget I went with a small Luxman 10wpc integrated tube amp with built in Phono, both MM and MC, with remote volume. Sounds terrific. I wanted tube sound, but minimum heat in a small room, so went low power, and decently efficient speaker, restored AR-2ax 3 way with 10" woofer and level controls for the tweeter and mid. I switch headshells, use both MM and MC cartridge, but you are limited to a MC cartridge that works with the Luxman’s specs, 100ohm load is ideal for my mc: 0.3mv; 10 ohm coil PHONO (MM): 3.0mV/47kΩ I actually got enough volume out of that amp using less efficient Wharfedale 225’s, but they sounded small without a sub
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If patient you can find a late generation K&K Maxxed Out on the used market. Especially with the optional silver Lundahl LL1931 internal SUTs, it will outperform most at twice its list price of $4500 new. I got one for $1800 shipped a few months ago. It rivals my Allnic H3000mkii and my VAC preamp’s excellent internal phono. One box, two tubes, variable loading dial for MC, variable loading and capacitance dials for MM, variable gain options for both, and a mono switch. Excellent resistors and caps throughout. But you do want the last revision to the circuit, which was 2013, IIRC—says on the board. Earlier gens are still excellent (I had one and regretted selling it), but the last is the cherry. |
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