Phono stages belong to which tier?

Raul,

thank you for answering. When you say I can have 80dB and you have 60dB from the phono stage with two stages, I suppose you have the RIAA sandwiched between the two, does that mean you have another stage for the pre or could you bypass this to just have two stages in total. Then max gain would be 60dB.
Also what type of network you use for the RIAA, a regular RC?

Dear Perrew: Remember that the Essential 3160 is a Phonolinepreamp: phono stages + line stage.

The total gain in the Phono stage is 60db in two stages but this Phono stage signal must pass through the line stage where there is the additional gain the amplifier needs.
You can't run the Essential as a stand alone Phono stage.

The RIAA network is a passive RC one on Lipshitz two poles configuration.
If you need more specific info please email me.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Analog setup:
- Dynavector Te Kaitora (not Rua)
http://www.needledoctor.com/Dynavector-TE-Kaitora-Cartridge
- Avid Diva II
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/50183
- Origin Live Encounter Mk2 arm

Amp: Yamamoto A-08S
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/yamamoto2/45.html

Linstage Pre-amp: Canary CA-903
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/canary4/903.html

Currently I have a Canary CA-401 phono stage that I enjoy a lot, but I'm looking for a more quiet phono stage. In fact, dead quiet would be great.

Most knowledgeable Agon members suggest matching the phono stage based on components and preferences, so I listed my components hoping you guys can help.

My budget is between $1k-$2k. Because of my amp and line stage being tube based, I'm REALLY needing a dead quiet phono stage without sacrificing performance. I want a little more speed, focus and tightness, without diminishing the soundstage, range or textures of the Canary.

I'm sure there are trade offs, but I'd appreciate some suggestions. I read through all of the phono stages listed in everyone's post so I have some more information. But, synergy is really important when it comes to matching components directly. The Canary is great, but a little too noisy with the rest of my tube gear and I think balancing out my tube gear with a SS phono MAY be the way to go, instead of overemphasizing the "tube" sound with everything being tubes. Make sense?

Thanks,
Mark

2nd hand Pass Xono - perfect choice

Pedrillo,

I have the Whest 30RDT, which I utilize with a VPI Scoutmaster Signature table and a Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua cartridge. I run these into an ARC Ref. 3 and a REf 110. My speakers are Sonus Faber Elipsas. I compared the Whest 30rdt against the ARC ph 7 and the new Esoteric phonostage. The Whest was a better match for my system, the ARC didn't have enough gain and sounded muffled and the Esoteric was very good, but not good enough to justify the high price. The Whest sounds wonderful, very open, dynamic and detailed. There's great synergy with my system. I've definitely turned into an analogue guy. I highly recommend the Whest RDT. It's $3,995 U.S. and can be had for less with a little negotiation.