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Advice on Phono Stage

I need advice on a phono stage. I have an ARC PH3SE which sounds a little bright in my system. I'm running it through a Threshold T2 line stage and Pass Aleph amps into Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers. Turntable is VPI Aries, 10.5 tonearm, and a Benz Ruby H cartridge. Cables are Cardas and Discovery. Can anyone recommend a phono stage that will add a little warmth to the system? I don't want to go over $4000 new or used and would prefer SS over tubes. Thanks.
rsfphil
rcreations
158 posts
 
passive pre is a good suggestion. try tim at luminous audio for a passive pre called the axiom
luminous@cavtel.net i like the one i have. kurt
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
the musical surroundings phenomena is very good and very affordable ($600 msrp- often discounted). -kelly
vincehoffman's avatar
vincehoffman
50 posts
 
What is wrong with tubes? I recently traded up from an ARC PH3 to a used Aesthetix Io and was so blown away I subsequently purchased the companion Callisto line stage. These are world class pieces with the stock tubes in 'em and with low noise NOS tube selections in the right spots...
rsfphil OP
139 posts
 
Thomasheisig I think you hit the nail right on the head. I think cold may have been the description I was looking for. The PH3 does have tubes, but you would never know it by the way it sounds. I have a ARC CD2 cd player that sounds more natural and it is all SS. They are both made by the same company and their sonic signature is different. You are the second person that mentioned the Klyne. It may be what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice.
jimstrange
10 posts
 
I have an ARC PH3SE and I have never felt it to be dry, cold or clinical sounding. Try a less wiry preamp and different cables(I love the audio tekne cables with this phonostage). Also I assume you have the tube dampers installed, if not get them. Try vibrapods under the unit and get a versalabs woodblock rfi filter with a good power cable. Try the inexpensive but great monarchy cable.
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