2. analog
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Which phono preamps among these three?

1. Manley Chinook Tube phono stage
2. Whest PS.30R
3. Aesthetix Rhea

I picked these three because they are currently available for sale in audiogon, and all three have very good reviews. All three are a bit over my budget at the moment, but I expect to get enough fund in the short future.

I mostly listen to Jazz (50s-60s) and classicals, occasionally pops and rocks. Rhea is more expensive than the other two, but Rhea supports three inputs while the other supports only one input, switchable to MM or MC. The other two cost about the same as used Rhea.

If you are to pick one, which one? For what reason? Is one definitely better than the others? Or, they are pretty much in the same league with different characteristics?
128x128ihcho
ihcho's avatar
ihcho OP
612 posts
 
Thanks.
It looks pretty good a deal.
However, I've realized that its MC only supports medium output MC cartridges (0.5mV ~ 1mV). I have three very low output MC cartridges (Ortofon MC20, SL15e, SL20, which are all under 0.1mV, SPU Gold (0.2mV), and Denon DL103R (0.25mV)). None of those can be used with Herron's MC input. I have an SUT with x20 and x40 gain, so I can still use Herron with the SUT, but I am not sure whether that is what I want to do.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
If you're going to use a transformer anyway, you'll need only a low-gain phono amp. Most of the improvement of the PH-2 over the PH-1 is in the moving coil section I believe, and if you're real lucky (and patient) a PH-1mm may come up. Not from me, however!
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
Ihcho - The Herron VTPH-2 has different gain options. You should call Keith Herron to see if one of the options fits what you need.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
All u have to do is change tubes from the 12ax7 to the 12at7 to lower the gain. Or vice versa to increase. I run a 103r no problem.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho OP
612 posts
 
Just called Keith and asked about using 0.2mV or lower gain MC cartridges with vtph-2. He said it should be fine. He said that even 0.1mV catridges would work fine without too much noise.
Well, that is a good part.
Then, I found out that the one for sale in Audiogon is no longer available. Well, to be honest, I could not pull the trigger since $2500 is still a bit over my budget and I needed to wait until I sell some of my audio gears.
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