2. analog
  3. 1376907736

Oh no , not another phono stage rec

Yes friends it is but with a twist .

I am seeking a phono stage with a warm presentation that will warm up , or come into its own , in a rather short time .
Let me explain . I am currently using the Music Hall MMF 5.1 turntable and their 2.2 model phono stage which is SS .
This 2.2 phono takes @ 7 hours to start to warm up or come into its own to sound decent . My tubed integrated amp takes about 30 minutes and by tubed CDP takes about 45 minutes to get to a nice listenable state . I do prefer tubed equipment for its sound and adjustability .
I live in paradise...central Florida , the lightening capital of the country ! Leaving my equipment plugged in is not an option and that is the twist !

So , a phono stage (tubed ?) that will produce good sound on the warm side of neutral and do it in a time frame commensurate with the other pieces , about 30-45 minutes .
I am using a MM cartridge and would like to keep the price under $1,500 , new or used . Does such an animal exist ?

Thank You
saki70
grinnell
1,127 posts
 
I have really enjoyed my Hagerman Cornet II. I think it warms up pretty fast and with some mullards its a rich sounding photo stage.

The other stage which was a bit to rich, warm for my tastes for most all around listening was the Wright WPP 200.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I have been exploring the sonic views afforded by under $100 moving magnetic cartridges with a Technics SL-1200 MkII table this summer and I bought a pre-owned Bellari VP130 phono stage, rolled some tubes and settled on a Telefunken ribbed 12AX7 I had. This stage is VERY warm, reaches full performance in a few minutes, and if you like bloom and three dimensionality, it will certainly do that and do it well. I leave it on constantly as it burns very little juice. It is a true high end BARGAIN (as is the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge).
Steve
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I think a better way to do it would be to just get a phono stage you like the sound of, regardless of how fast it warms up, and list it on your fire policy. Its pretty rare a house gets struck by lightning. Its far more likely you will have a problem with surges and power spikes. So if you get a surge protector and good insurance, your system will be safe and you can just listen to it any time without dealing with warm up.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
All tube phonosatges are noisy at any price point. AudioResearch PH3SE is the only hybride SS-tube component I regret once selling and hihgly would recommend. It's a true bargain for the used price.
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