2. analog
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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
wrm57
1,060 posts
 
Whart, I hope you're doing well and the region recovers soon. I moved from near you (NJ on the NY border) to the SF Bay Area 30 years ago, never imagining that a move to CA would avoid a natural disaster. Of course, I did have the pleasure of the Loma Prieta earthquake and the Oakland Hills fire. I still have many friends and family in NY and NJ. Best wishes to you all.

Philb7777, please let us know your thoughts on the Steelhead. Have fun!
whart's avatar
whart
3,063 posts
 
Wrm- thanks for the good wishes, i sent you a PM.
dhcod
710 posts
 
I don't know if the time has passed to consider others but I think you may also want to think about an ASR Basis Exclusive. I think that unit transcends the whole tubes vs ss argument. In my system, better than the Steelhead although the Steelhead is great.
whart's avatar
whart
3,063 posts
 
Anybody running old Quads has my vote (at least in the midrange). Good for you, DHcod.
dctom
112 posts
 
I used a BAT P10se for a long time and considered upgrading it as I liked it a lot. Could not in the end as there are no dealers anymore in the UK. I now use the ARC Ref 2 which is indeed fairly neutral, dynamic, fluid with a wide sound stage. I am considering getting the SE upgrade for it. Anyone had experience of the the upgrade.
I did consider the Allnic but it had a poor reliability reputation over here. From reading the above it it sounds like it has some of the BAT's lush, deep sound field qualities which I liked.
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