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Experiences on Tom Evans phono stage ?

I'm in the process of downsizing my analog rig as I'm moving to a smaller apartment.
I'm considering the Tom Evans phono stage based on the recommendations of the reviews.
Can anyone share their experiences on this ?
I'm looking to spend in the vicinity of $2,000 to $3,000 for a good one.
I'm flexible so it doesnt have to be Tom Evans if you guys say so.
I have an VPI scoutmaster with Shelter 5000 cartridge.
My current phono pre-amp is the ARC PH5 which was sold a few days ago.

Have a good one !!!
mid40sguy
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
My buddy has the groove and it is absolutely one of the best stages I have ever heard.The only stage I heard that may be better is the Ese Lab. The Ese is less expensive, quieter and had a deeper soundstage. Awesome details and dynamics. I was set to get the Groove until I heard the Ese. Call Hart at Audioadvancements. He sold my friend the Groove but now that he has heard the Ese, feels its better all around.
rocketiii
47 posts
 
Hi Nolitan, I am in the UK and the upgrade cost me a total of about 800 GB pounds say $1300. There were two things that Tom did:
1) upgrade to SRX - this is the thing to go for, less noise and even more detail/music
2) I had the dip switches fitted so that I can load different cartridges instaed of having to return it each time.
I would recommend (1) but not sure that I'd pay an extra $4k - is it really that much more??
nolitan
865 posts
 
Rocketii

thanks for response.
when you go for the upgrade to SRX does it make the system more revealing ? more recordings will sound worst as they are ?
what cart are you using with the SRX ?

cheers.
Nol
rocketiii
47 posts
 
I am using a Dynavestor XV1-S. The upgrade certainly gives more detail and I wouldn't worry about making old/poor recordings sound worse. What seems to happen is that it gets more information off of the record, particualrly effective is retrieval of the ambience of the venue. I find that I now actually prefer my older recordings - though whether this is the cartridge or the phono stage is difficult to say.
nolitan
865 posts
 
I once had a chat with Tom Evans and he did tell me that even if one uses the SRX with cheap cart like a Denon 103r, it will still sound very good.
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