2. amps-preamps
  3. 1144549541

Which Tube Phono Stage around $1k?

I'm looking for a phono stage to mate with my Linn LP12/Ittok arm and a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge. The line stage is a VTL 6.5. In the under $1k range, the Underwood Level 1 mod of the Jolida JD9a looks promising at $800. Totally stretching my budget would be a used or demo Audio Research PH5, but maybe someone can convince me that it's worth the stretch. A similar stretch might be a used Cary 302. Any comment on these or others I should consider? I'm pretty much dead set on tubes. I'll have to hear a really convincing endorsement to consider anything solid state! Thanks
pscialli
dogpile
118 posts
 

Hello. The Sonic Frontiers Phono One should be on your short list. It uses four 6922 tubes, external settings to match your catridge, comes in three configurations, low / med / or high gain settings (check to see which setting the unit is).

A used unit will be around $800 - $900, the SE version $1100 - $1200. The best phono pre that I've used in that particular price range.

Happy hunting!
loontoon
301 posts
 
Nice unit used for a kilobuck or less.

loon
wrtickle
103 posts
 
the hagerman cornet has a very lively midrange
joman
167 posts
 
A used BAT VK P5 will fit your price range. I use mine with a LP12/Ittok combination and have no complaints. Top to bottom good all around phonostage. 2 6SN7's and 8 6922's, dual mono construction. They will accept any cartridge down to .4mv. Anything lower and you may need to send it back to the factory for some modification. There are one or two for sale right now. I have no affiliation with the sellers. Good luck in your search.
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