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Looking for phono stage recommendations

I have recently ordered a Sota Cosmos, with a Tri-Planar VII arm and a ZYX Airy 3 cartridge. A friend of mine is interested in my Pass Labs Aleph Ono phono, so that leaves me with nothing (thanks a lot Paul)to use for my new frontend.

Several friends have made recommendations. The Pass Labs X-ono, the Manley Steelhead, ZYX phonostage, and a Supratek(?) have been recommended. The Zanden and Boulder are out of my price range, so don't bother...

Are there any other phonostages that I should consider. I don't have a preference of Solid State vs Tube.

I have used and/or heard the Krell KPA and KPE already and they're not really in the running. Not that there's anything wrong with them, they are very good, I'm just looking for something better.

I want something quiet that will work for low output cartidges.

HEEEEELP!
nrchy
newbee
4,794 posts
 
Don't overlook the EAR 834P just because it's cheap and tubed. Its an excellent little unit.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
How about the Aesthetix Rhea?

My friend uses that and it sounds fantastic, and it is very user friendly, as it allows remote controlled adjustments to the loading and gain. (Too Cool.) There is a bit of tube noise, but if you don't mind that, I think that is a good choice. (Unless you can afford the IO, in which case, that would be a real step up, at least from what I have read anyway, as I have not heard it, yet.)

I have seen the Rhea's used for under $3,000 quite a bit. New they are $4K.
flyingred
139 posts
 
Another vote for the EAR834P - it doesn't sound "tubey" -just good and being very flat to low frequencies would be a good complement to the Airy 3. I have a Supratek Chenin pre (very good indeed) but still go back to the EAR.

I also suggest you consider a Hagerman Trumpet phono stage (www.hagtech.com) with Bent Audio step up transformers. Both Chris Brady (Teres) and Thom Mackris (Galibier) use these. I have heard both and they are awesome!
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