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Ear 834P or Decware ZP3 or other tube phono stage

Slowly working up my system from components I've used for some years to better sounding stuff. I'd like some recommendations.

I have a collection of 7000 to 10000 records in it that span all kinds of styles and pressings and condition. I have used a VPI HW19 with a Rega 250 and a bunch of different cartridges over the years. It lives at work.

At home I drive either JBL 4311B or Klipsch KG4 with an NAD 3020 or an NAD 1020 into an NAD 2200. There is an old Scott 299 floating around that gets some use but it needs some help.

Front end stuff is VPI Scoutmaster with a Benz Micro Glider HO, Elac table with some generic Technics cartridge for 78's. I've also been using an NAD PP2 for the second table. I intend on getting a good mono catridge, perhaps one of the Lyras and another armwand to play the monos.

I'd like to get a good phono stage first then some form of tube amp to drive the speakers with instead of the NAD stuff.

Thoughts?
fretshop
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Take a look at the VAS 1 pre-amp, all tubes, it has multi phono capactity with many curves. I have one, so I know its sound. I did have an ARC PH 3SE and PH5 and felt the VAS sounded better in my system. Try to get a dealer to loan you one so you can try it in your systems.
grinnell
1,092 posts
 
If you can get by with MM carts look at the Bottlehead Seduction w/CS4 board.

It is so sweet with my hw-19 mkiv.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
The Aqvox 2CI/PrimaLuna PL2 is a killer combo.SS phono with adj. gain,cap and loading (up to 75db in balanced operation) and tube integrated (40W via kt-88s).
almandog
141 posts
 
Fretshop

You should also look at a Modwright tube phono stage (9.0 SE).
I am using one after trying out other ones like Graham Slee, and SAP phono stages. I also have a VPI Scout with a Denon DL-S1 MC cartridge.
fretshop OP
5 posts
 
Most of this stuff is pretty much beyond my stretch dollar wise. It's also a good distance away from my comparably modest speakers and power. Is there anything worth auditioning under $2000? That's where the Ear and the Decware came from...bang for the buck.

I pretty much have $2500 in my table and cartridge but maybe $800 in amp and speakers. Obviously I have no idea how much I have in records, but I'd imagine it's not as much as you'd think. Many were bought in collections for next to nothing and of course it stretches over 37 years.

Regardless, I'm fond of my JBL 4311's because I'm very used to them. I had intended on replacing the power however I wanted to do the phono stage first. I think besides my table it's the most significant part of my upward move.
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