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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!
128x128nrchy
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Aesthetix Io Signature, or Aesthetix Rhea.
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simon74
216 posts
 
Never heard a Groove - I'm less than 4 hours from Wales - tried to get a part from them for a friend in the States and their customer service is appalling - can't answer e-mails, promise to phone back and never do.
Must be the language barrier - personaly I'd give them a miss!
bnrlaw
130 posts
 
Look at the K&K Audio phonostage with Lundahl stepup transformer(essentially identical to Art Audio Vinyl Reference). It is a solid state/tube hybrid (best of both worlds). I have been using mine with ZYX Airy 3 and it is the only component I have never thought of upgrading. A real keeper and somewhat of a bargain at ~$2k.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
There is one of Lloyd Walkers' Signature phono stages available on AGon for $2900 {I think-about}.It has enough gain for cartridges down to .15mv and can be loaded any way you like.The loading and gain resistors are user replaceable.Give Lloyd a shout:610-666-6087.
springbok10
711 posts
 
EAR 324 - MC/MM - small footprint - out of this world sonics - Input impedance/capacitance adjustable by a switch on the front - chosen over Aesthetix because of much smaller footrprint.
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