2. analog
  3. 1006597670

Superb PHONO Preamp ?

There are now some very interesting Phono Preamps out there.
Sooner or later I am interested to buy one, beside my existing Stan Klyne 7 PX 3.5
I was very interested in the newest Design from
Aesthetix Io phono Signature Version.

Now I heard from 2 other units which caught my attenttion, the
Tom Evans Design " The Groove "
and from
Manley , the " Steelhead ".
I don't have much info about them - beside their Websites - but I heard some interesting things.

Is someone out there who owns one of these units or has compared one of these to others and can give a little info ?
I use always MC's, I prefer low output, that means, around 0.20 mV.
The Klyne can handle this WITHOUT ANY Problems, and I would like to have another Phono amp TO DO this SAME way.

These are all units which - I imagine -, will only be bought from REAL ANALOG specialists, so this info could be very interesting.

( Please don't write me stories from Linn, Audio Research etc. ,these are not in this class )
Thanks
Thomas
thomasheisig
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
thanks Frank, i appreciate your response. I did read your Ultimate Audio review. I have owned my Io for 2 and 1/2 trouble-free years.....i must be lucky i guess. My tubes still seem fresh and i bought a spare set for about $350 with the Io when new, i keep hearing frustrations with the Io....but no problem here.

I am always looking for better if it's out there.....will look forward to your future feedback.

btw, is the next issue of UA about to hit? I love UA and don't like to see people spread rumours of it's demise.

thanks.
thomasheisig OP
568 posts
 
I've read all your posts with great interest.

For Rfsphil ( and some other readers ):
You are right, of course, The Klyne is exceptional good,
and I will never sell it. I am not that mad.

I feel growing interest for tubes since I bought from Ralph Karsten a pair of this OTL amps.
Fascinating.

BTW: Is there someone out who knows something about his phono stages? I forgot to list Atma-Sphere in the first mail.
Finding superior units is very difficult for me, because all of them are not imported in my country,
- they are even expensive for you and with the calculations for importer, dealer, the prices explode .....-

- they HAVE TO BE Reliable, no service available , too
and any mistake will be tough because of my low exchange rate,
AND
I would like to AVOID looking for a cartridge WHICH FITS TO the phono preamp. sorry but then I loose interest.
( The Atma-Sphere I bought unheard, because I got so many positive and honest comments, and I really love these units ...)
Thanks for your Walker offer, I will try to get some info about it.
Well,

Thanks again to all

Thomas
gthrush1
241 posts
 
How about the new Boulder 2008 phono preamplifier? Retail price is $35,000 USD. Enjoy!!
adsal7e18
250 posts
 
i already have io and walker phono.i prefer walkers one it s
really one of the best.also connoisseur definitions and kondos phono stage may be very good.now im using lab 47 phono it s also very good .
fcrowder
191 posts
 
Two that has not been mentioned are the Zanden and the FM Acoustics. Certainly the one which has recently gotten the most mention is the Groove. I am very pleased with my Vendetta 2T, but would like to hear some of the other contenders, particularly the Groove and the new Connoisseur which is finally being sold as a separate unit.

On a separate topic, I just had a friend install a Helikon in my systen replacing a very old Clearaudio Accurate; even cold with no breakin better than the Accurate.
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