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A new phono stage

Soliciting feedback on phono stages. I know, the best way is to audition each candidate in my system, but this is difficult where I live.

I'm presently using a highly modified Counterpoint SA-5.1 for the phono stage, into Lamm L2 preamp, Counterpoint SA-20 amp, and Alon Circe speakers. The source is a Micro Seiki RX1500 / SME 3012R / Shelter 901. I want to replace the SA-5.1 with a dedicated phono stage and use the 5.1 in my second system.

My criteria:
- tube or ss is ok
- highly reliable (prefer less tubes to more)
- very low noise
- remote control NOT necessary
- multiple inputs NOT necessary
- signal purity preferred to convenience (while I recognize the convenience of front panel adjustable loading, I am willing to remove the cover and insert a resistor myself for the sake of signal purity).
- > 60dB gain, prefer w/o mc step-up transformer (*this is difficult!)

My list of candidates:
Lamm LP2, Pass Xono, TE Groove or Micro Groove, EAR 834P (with Thoerston parts and circuit modification). I realize that all of these do not meet all of my criteria.

can anyone with direct exposure to these units share their experience? Even better if you have compared units in a controlled setting.
skushino
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
I totally agree with Cincy_Bob. Out of the choices you have mentioned, I would recommend the LP2 Deluxe.

While the LP2 Deluxe is wonderful, it lacks flexibility. The Manley, which I sell, has the ability to change loading, gain and impedance all on the fly. It is beautiful sounding with great foundation and grip while being very delicate at the same time. While it might lean slightly toward the warm side, the sound can easily be tailored by a change of tubes. It is my favorite all around phono stage.

The other benefit the Steelhead has is it's ability to run directly into your amplifier. You might prefer running it without the L2 Reference preamplifier and if so, you might save a bunch of money.

Direct comparisons between the LP2 Deluxe and the Steelhead had both equally as quiet. The Manley was airier on top. The LAMM was a bit more neutral before swapping tubes on the Steelhead. Both have incredible bass resolution and control.
rcprince
3,074 posts
 
Cincy_Bob and I are in agreement about the Lamm, and I think Jtinn's description is pretty much spot on. The Lamm is a special piece, but it does only have 57db of gain and loads the cartridge at 40 ohms, so make sure your Shelter has enough output for your usual listening levels. The Lamm also is perhaps a little "rounded" or soft in the highest frequencies, so if you're looking for the last word in razor sharp highs you might be disappointed; I myself, as a classical music fan, find this a good thing. The Lamm works well with my very low output Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum, but on some records cut at low levels I could use a little more gain (for those I switch to the MC stage of my JP200, which gives overall about 100db of gain, including the line stage), so check the output of your Shelter before deciding.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
How about Tron Syren preamp (http://www.tron-electric.com). The Trons are designed to be silent - like absolutely silent with tubes and Avantgarde Horns. Edward Barker has just named it as one of his finds of 2004 (http://www.6moons.com/industryfeatures/b004/b004edward.html). The gain can be altered to suit any MC cartridge. It's even sensitive enough for the Allaerts MC2 Formula 1 (only 0.1 mV output), but still silent. I'm impressed enough to buy one of Graham Tricker's preamps (I'm buying his own demo Meteor - predecessor of the Syren). In the US, I think Hart at Audio Advancements distributes. However Graham Tricker does supply worldwide from his base in the UK
jyprez's avatar
jyprez
241 posts
 
The Plinius M14 will give you adjustable loading and gain from a ss unit for a lot less than a Steelhead or EAR 324 - of course, it's up to your judgement whether any performance difference is worth the added cost.
sberger
146 posts
 
dynavector p-75...$600 new and will blow away anything up to twice it's price for low output moving coils. do a google search. im using one with a benz ref2, and it's fantastic.
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