Phonomena, vs PS GCPH, Others?

Thanks for pointing out the issue with low output cartridges and for all the other recommendations. While it's not a factor for me right now I don't like the idea of having that limitation in the future. One thing I wasn't sure of was if phono stages in this price range were up to the task of really working with LO MC cartridges in general or if it was better to stick to medium and high output MCs. For me personally, I'd rather have to ability to quietly amplify a smaller signal than have extra gadgets like a front gain control. This is getting complicated.

As always. It's about synergy. One mans giant slayer is another mans piece of $#!+.

I like both the Phenomena and the GCPH but prefer the GCPH in my system. I will admit "world class" is overstating anything in this price point I guess.

I have the Dynavector and my GCPH is in a whole 'nother league. The bottom is much stronger but still tight.

I did not know about the mod(s), will have to look into that.

Oh, and my GCPH is sitting under a Digi III.

Robert

I've never heard hum on the GCPH with LO cartridges, unless there was a related cartridge/motor issue (such as anyone who owns the VPI Classic can happen with an unshielded cartridge). As I said, it's a great value as is.

To get it to another level, and I believe as good as any stage I have heard, the Underwood/Parts Connexion Mod is required.

I have just went through this same comparison on my own system. IMO, both of the mentioned units, Phonomena and GCPH, are equally as good. I feel that sound quality, depth, staging, over dynamics are great on both, these are both a great upgrade from my Creek 15.
As far as hum or hiss on the GCPH, I did have a slight hiss problem in my unit, not hum. I would say in my system it was more of a gain issue on the GCPH. The secondary gain on front of unit had to be turned up to much for proper gain, this is due to a 2W per ch amp and passive volume control. I called PS Audio and I did perform a transformer tuning, per their instructions. This did help my hiss slightly but I think this would be more of a solution for transformer hum instead. Based off of this, I have kept the Phonomena and problem solved. I feel that with an active pre-amp, this would not have been an issue on the GCPH. Both units have a ton of adjustment and sound awesome for their price range. One more quick note, the battery operated power supply is a bit more transparent on the Phonomena with a better noise floor. IMO, in a larger room than mine with a little less efficient speakers (100db, full range, single point source are what I'm using)with multi-drivers and passive crossovers, both units should perform very close. Considering what you can buy either unit for used here on Agon, try them both and re-sale what you don't use.