I auditioned the Allnic H3000 at home a few years back, when my system was almost entirely different from today. I found it the most 3D and liquid of the several phono stages I brought in, including the Einstein RCA, Rhea Sig, Steelhead RC, ASR Basis, Wavestream. But for some reason, both it and the ASR hummed in my system. I doubt it was endemic to the pieces themselves but I couldn't track down the issue, otherwise I might have kept the Allnic--it was unique and very seductive. It might also have been a little colored but in a glorious way. I ended up with the Steelhead, which I liked the best of the rest. Still, I might audition the Allnic again sometime. I've never heard a phono stage quite like it.
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.
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.
- ...
- 46 posts total
- 46 posts total