Next Phonostage


I'm contemplating a new Phonostage to replace my Rowland Cadence. One of the driving factors is wanting multiple inputs for multiple tonearms.

My system is currently: TW-Acustic Raven AC-1/TW10.5 tonearm/Dynavector XV-1s cart with Rowland Synergy IIi preamp, Rowland 302 power amp and Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Diamond loudspeakers.

My listening tastes are everything except rap/hip-hop. Probably 50% rock/pop, 40% Jazz and 10% Classical.

My audio characteristics preferences I value include really black backgrounds, air around images, extension and musicality. Dynamics are also a plus.

My contenders are currently:

Audio Research Ref 2 SE Phono - rave reviews, most say this gives you best attributes of solid state and tube sound combined, might be a natural transition into tubes for me

Thoress Phono Enhancer - also known as TW Acustic Phonostage; might mate well with my analog front end, flexibility in dialing in bass, mids, highs, customizable sound

Manley Steelhead - heard this in a friend's system, very nice sound, very flexible, did hear a it of tube noise

Can anyone who owns one of these phonostages or has listening experience with them give me some input and advice on what would work best with my system?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations from the audiogon community.
philb7777
Yeah, the Steelhead I heard had quite a bit of background hiss compared to other sources in the system. May have been bad tubes. It's one f the inherent problems listening to components in other people's systems - you can only assess so much......
Hi, I recommend the Allnic H3000. I used to use a Tron and now use the 3000. I have heard many others along the way like the Arc ref2, the Whest SE, the Rhea and TE SRX. The allnic is the best i've personally ever heard. I also own a Raven AC.
Lotus,

What were your impressions of the Allnic H3000 compared to the ARC Ref 2 Phono? What is your tonearm and cart on the TW Raven? How is the noisefloor of the H3000 in your set up?

Thanks in advance for any additional info.
Just remember, nothing is easier to adjust than the Steelhead, so even if those others can be adjusted, you may have to open them up, or reach around the back to do it. The Manley has all those controls up front.