A difficult LP reproduction question

Albert, the EAR is nowhere near the Mini Phono in terms of price, and I would venture to guess it is better. The Seduction kit I know nothing about, but eventually would like to try. For fun factor, then the Mini Phono and Seduction kit have it. The Lenco/Decca pairing works with many cartridges, I have even tried it with an Audio Technica OC9 low-output MC with great success. My personal favourite combinations are with Shure V15VxMR (PRaT), and Grado Platinum (glorious midrange). The Decca isn't picky, and your choices are therefore large. Probably the Godlring would sound good too. Happy to muddy the waters!

What about the GSL Jazz Club phonostage, which is designed specifically for the 78 rpm record.

If you don't need one specifically for 78 then the EAR 834P is certainly a very nice phonostage but when bought new its the most expensive one on your list. I have not heard the ASL but a local dealer has one and he says it is a little noisy but as someone said low noise tubes reduces/eleminates that issue. Two other phono amps I am considering (along with most on your list) right now as replacements for a modified 834P are kits. The Hagerman Coronet and the DIY HiFi Cole. Luckily I have tracked down someone in the city with a Cornet and will be comparing it to the modified 834P so I get a chance to make a good decision based on first hand experience for once. There is also a local dealer with the ASL mini and I just might bring it home for the weekend and see how it ranks in its stock form compared to the EAR and Cornet.

Bmckenney, that would be perfect. I hope you make that listening session and post results.

Johnnantais. I was considering the Seduction kit new and the EAR used. I was thinking the EAR used for $500.00.

The Seduction kit is $225.00 plus the recent upgrade board which raises the total gain to 40 DB is an additional $125.00. That puts the price of the two close enough to go with the EAR if it were clearly superior.

Gregm, thanks for the links. Wish I could justify that high end 78 EQ phono. Likely I will live with RIAA for the 78's I purchase.

Albert:

Will you be listening to the 78's in true mono? Probably too late now, but I'd put together a separate vintage tube mono system on the cheap (it could even be an early stereo amp with a mono switch).

Amps of the appropriate vintage will have the various curves noted on their tone controls (my old Pilot does). I'd go with an integrated amp to keep things simple.

You would just have to find a spot for a single vintage speaker, or maybe an old victrola type cabinet which could hold the entire system (including the speaker/driver).

I'm getting ready to auction a few of my vintage mono speakers by George Gott and Reproducer & Amplifier (cleaning out the guest room), but feel that you should go with a larger driver/cabinet considering the size of your room.

Something like a 15" Stephens coaxial, a K-Horn, or the model just below it that does not require corner loading (forget the name) would be nice in a large room.

Cool idea Dekay. If I take over another room my wife will have no place to sleep.

I'm going to have to push it through the current rig. Maybe get a second head shell for the Decca and a true mono cartridge for those old 78's.