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What's your experience with fine phono preamp s ?



Arthur Salvatore highly recommends the Coincident Technology Statement phono preamp on his blog. I know nothing about Arthur's listening preferences, so can't know why he feels it superior to other phono pre's.

My table is a Technics SP10, arms are Talea and SME with Benz and AirTight cartridges respectively ( phono cable undetermined for SME arm, open to suggestions on a separate thread --to keeps things 'simple' ) My gear is hybrid, with solid state 100 wpc bass amps, 300B and 6SN7 tubes for mids and tweeters, and JL Audio subs for the bottom octave. The CDP and preamp are solid state and very high quality.

Please weigh in on phono pre's between $2 and 7K that you have owned or heard in systems you know well. I don't have a prejudice or preference for solid state or valve gear, and I'm receptive to used equipment.

I DO, however, strongly prefer an 'I am there' presentation, over 'the musicians are in the room' sensation, when the that's in the vinyl. More interested by far in an emotionally engaging ( not distortedly emotional or euphonic ) listening experience than a precise, highly detailed but soul-less presentation.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and shared experience.

Best,

David
128x128cdk84
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Given the cost of the products that you are looking at, and your sonic expectations, I think it would be best to work with a dealer on this. There's just too many variables and everything has to work together. I know that you may say you have a lot of experience and you know what you like. And that given your knowledge and experience a dealer is not necessary. My answer to that would be, its clear that you know what you're doing. No question about that at all. Because of that, though, you won't settle for anything but the best possible results for the money you are investing. Unless you really get lucky, I think you are better served by working with a dealer that really knows vinyl. And there's a good chance you'll save money. With vinyl, the right combination isn't always the most expensive.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
I own and have not heard ANY other phono stage as good as a Herron VTPH-2. Prior to that phono pre-amp, I was using a Herron VTPH-1mc. Also very good, but short of a VTPH-2.

The VTPH-2 has more of "You are there" than another other phono stage I've heard at any price. It is very precise and detailed; dynamic, super-low distortion, very neutral RIAA, startling dynamics (high level and low level dynamics). Not "warm" or artificial. I have heard VTPH-2 units in several systems and it impresses me the same in all of them.

Luck has nothing to do with the VTPH-2. It seems to work well in a wide variety of systems and a wide variety of cartridges (high and low level inputs, external mc loading capability).

And the price is right in your wheelhouse. Mid-$3k.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Arthur Salvatore highly recommends many Coincident products. Yes, they are good, but I believe he is also a close friend of Blume's.

The best I've heard/owned in this price range was a Klyne 7PX5.0. It bettered a couple of more expensive models. Others that I haven't heard but would highly consider in this price range are the aforementioned Herron VTPH-2 and an Allnic H1201.

Cheers,
John
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
I would also suggest you hear a Herron, it's a really nice unit. Also, a used Lamm LP2 Deluxe should come in your price range, though it might be a little laid back compared to the others mentioned, and you might want a little more gain than it offers. And I do agree with Zd that working with a good dealer who knows vinyl would be the best course.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Aesthetix Rhea. I bought mine used 8 years ago and couldn't be happier. Extraordinarily flexible, with 3 inputs, 2 outputs, adjustable gain and loading via the remove, built-in cartridge demag. Uses 10 tubes (8 12AX7, 2 6922) but very quiet for a tubed unit and has been easy on tubes IME.

The best part: it's a glorious sounding phonostage. I upgraded from a Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS2, which is also a great-sounding unit.
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