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
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.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
Hi Fred, i too have heard that the Connoisseur is very special and all the rage now in Japan. I would love to hear some details on it.

Btw, i agree with your letter in Absolute Sound; it is frustrating when they say they will be publishing further information and then no more word.....if the distributor pulls the item, they should have an obligation to fulfill their promises somehow. I'm sure the new distributor would love to help the process if Absolute Sound asked.
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