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Phonomena, vs PS GCPH, Others?

I've learned so much here as an observer but am going to request opinions proactively on this one. I've realized that I've over-done it in the warmth department at the expense of dynamics in my analogue chain. I recently auditioned a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II to replace my Pro-ject Tube Box II phono pre and enjoyed its dynamic extension. I dug it but a PS Audio GCPH has me wondering as I like my Digi Link iii DAC and could get one used for around the same. Are there other SS offerings that I should be looking at in this price range that would move me forward from my overly mellow presentation? Other stuff: Quad 22l2>Jolida 707a>Pro-ject Perspective TT w/ Grado Gold (could soon be switched to something like a Benz Ace).
grantd
grantd OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations thus far, I'll definitely be looking into them. Mac, I have a Parts Connexion modded amp that I'm really happy with as well but I don't think I can dedicate that kind of cash to the phono stage at this point. Looking to keep it closer to the Phonomena range of $600 if possible, I suppose. Going stock with a potential future upgrade could be a way to go..
vinyladdict
164 posts
 
The GCPH, stock, is a great piece of gear and worth much more than its cost in my opinion - especially if you can find one used. You can always have it upgraded in the future.

I'm sure if I heard a mod'd version I would think differently, but, I've never had the desire to have my stock GCPH mod'd in any way. It just sounds spectacular as it is and its flexibility (nice adjustments for loading and gain plus mono and phase switches) is a real stong point.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Vinyladdict, I agree whole heartedly that the PS Audio is a stellar piece of gear unmodded. Maybe the best value I have ever seen in audio.

I had budgeted $4500 for a new phono stage, coming to the conclusion after trying differnt phono stages, that it was the key ingredient, IMO, in analog playback.

I bought a modded GCPH as a stop gap while I tried many other phono stages that I auditioned from dealers, or buying used. The price of the GCPH was low enough that I knew I could resell it with very little, if any loss.

Well, every other more expensive phono stage I tried, was not any better, or as good as the GCPH. I love this thing.
plato
1,543 posts
 
On the other hand, I have tried 3 new GCPH's and all of them were objectionably noisy and had too much hum with my 0.26mV output Benz MC cartridge. So world-class, I think not, in my view, far from it.

I've had better luck with the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena, the Ray Samuels F-117 Blackhawk, and the Vacuum State JLTi although I admit the PS has nice features and works well with cartridges that are not very low output models.
jaspert
157 posts
 
Agree with Plato , stock GCPH has nice features, nice build but if you plan to use LOMC ( < 0.3 mV ) and the system lacks gain, then one could do better these days. I had the same issue as Plato and found it underwhelming in SQ even when gain was not an issue. Now what I said does not apply to the modded one as I have not heard them.

I have a few phono at the moment including MS Supernova, RSA Nighthawk, Allnic H1500SE and latest K&K Maxxed out. For less money than stock GCPH, the Nighthawk F117 is the best value, low noise, high gain, good dynamic and nice mid.
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