2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
springbok10
711 posts
 
The best phono stage I've ever heard under $1K is the Wright WPP 200. Lists for $825. Disclaimer: I may be selling mine because the new preamp I bought has a built-in phono stage. But if I do so, it will be with great reluctance. Just a spectacular preamp.
dlwask
270 posts
 
I recently heard a mod'ed EAR 834p that a friend brought over to try in my system. It was an absolutely fantastic phono stage which now has me looking into one. I will probably opt for a mod'ed 834p instead of a used P5. I've heard the older Wright WPP 100 had some noise issues, maybe the 200 addresses that though.
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