Need advice with a phono stage for my BAT VK-50...

FYI, the VK50 won't take BAT's phono cards. It's only for their other preamps, not the 50, 50se or 51se.

I had a VK50se now it's a 51se. I've used a BAT VKp5, p10, p10se (have now) as well as a Aestheitix Rhea. For the money, the BAT VKp5 is a steal. It's the price performer in the phono stage lineup from BAT. You can find them used for around 1200. Slightly more than your budget. Most medium output moving coils (.5 mv or so) will do awesome. Of course, so will MM. The BAT will have a super midrange, pretty much shares every trait you likely love about your vk50.

If you cartridge is that old, it's time for a new one.

WARNING. Be prepared. With your table, a new cartridge and a VKp5, you might seriously get into vinyl. If you can somehow swing the p5 and good cartrdge-you'll be in heaven.

Good luck

Jfrech,
How would you compare the P10se to the Rhea? Which one do you like best?

Jfrech and Dennisb,

I will second Jfrech's statement about there not being a phono card available for the vk50's and 51's. I also have VK50se and I am currently using an EAR 834P phono stage and they work very well together, however I am starting to look at upgrading the phono stage for reasons I will explain below.

Another point to consider is that the 50's and 51's are balanced inputs only, so it might be worth limiting your choices to phono stages that have balanced outputs, assuming that the phono stage in question is truly balanced. I am having to use a balanced-to-s/e adapter with the 834 and I do wonder how much potential there is waiting to be tapped by moving to an all balanced system. Of course, balanced equipment will drive the price up a bit.

Sidssp: The Rhea has much wider stage, little better depth, better detail. Everything else equal. I could go on, but that's the net. I think I like the Rhea better, but I think I'll hold off and go for a Io Sig one day soon (I hope)! If I go with a Koetsu, I think the Rhea or Io is a must...the Rhea does have more gain (w/o using transformers)...however my Lyra Helicon at .5mv works super with the BAT directs to the tubes.

Dennisb, if you are committed to looking for a lower cost option just to play your existing LPs (about 100?) and if you're not planning to buy more vinyl (and even if you are), consider some of these lower cost options that will allow you to make a low cost re-entry into vinyl:

...Tom Evans Microgroove $950 new
...Grado PH1 $500 new
...Clearaudio Basic $600 new
...Creek OBH-8 SE $290

All of these are readily available from the usual mail order suppliers, many of whom will allow you a 30-day return privilege if you don't like how the unit sounds in your system. Also, any of these are available on the used market for 40% less, if you look around.

There are better units available, but the price goes up. I agree with the recommendation of the EAR 834 or BAT VKp5 in the under $2000 category, and I'd add the Herron VTPH-1 (used) to that list.

Also, keep to moving magnet or high output moving coil cartridges (1.5mv output or above) to keep your phonostage needs simpler. Easily done with a wide range of choices for $250-500. One of the Grado cartridges would work well if your tastes are more towards acoustic music. Or, for more snap and sizzle (no slight intended), a Sumiko or Dynavector.
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