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Phono stage upgrade with Grado Reference

My current analog setup includes a Clearaudio Performance turntable with a Grado Reference cartridge (1.5mV) in to a CJ EV-1 phonostage (49 dB gain, I believe); the preamp is a CJ Premier 17LS. The amp is a McCormack DNA 500 and the speakers are Thiel CS6. I have noticed that I have to turn the volume on my preamp fairly high, and I would like a bit more lower end weight on some recordings. I am considering a phono stage upgrade, and was wondering whether a Grado PH-1, or an EAR834p would lead to significant improvement in this regard. Any other suggestions as far as a phonostage in the $500-1500 range?
droz
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Either of those choices you mention will sound great. I have heard, and really love the Grado with their cartridges, and it's comparatively cheap.

I love the Performance, I think it's one of the best values in audio. The CMB makes it dead quiet, great rig.
hack
185 posts
 
I just went through the same conundrum, very happy I went with a Ray Samuels Nighthawk. Not only is it dead quiet and mates nicely with my Grado Statement, but I'm quite confident it will mate well with pretty well any cartridge.
droz OP
20 posts
 
Thanks for your input. Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these phono stages to the CJ EV-1 to know if a switch would be a significant upgrade for me?
curio's avatar
curio
305 posts
 
I have had the Grado PH-1 with my old Grado Statement Master 0.5mv and I found them as perfect combo.
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