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
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The unmodded Jolida phono stage is a spectacular value. Just swap out the tubes for something a bit higher quality.

I am thoroughly pleased with mine. Quiet, balanced, dynamic. Perfect with a good MC and table.

My system:
Music Hall MM7
Jolida phono pre
Rogue Cronus integrated
Jolida CDP and Tuner
Vandersteen 2Ces
Tara RSC prime speaker cables
Synergistic alpha one ICs
PC Audio humbuster & power strip

Audio bliss!
Steve
springbok10
711 posts
 
I haven't heard the 834, only the 324, so cant compare the ones you are considering. But EAR stuff is awesome. I really like the WPP 200 as well - good choices! You probably cant go wrong with either.
denf
241 posts
 
Would second the BAT P5 recommendation. If you saw any pics of the inside of this beast (it weighs 40lbs.) you would be amazed that it could even be sold for under $4k, let alone around $1k used...
dlwask
270 posts
 
I see what you mean Denf, the P5 is stuffed full of good stuff.

How quiet is the P5 when compared to the 834p? The 834p I had in my system was whisper quiet, maybe the step up transformers?

Anyone hear the Blue Circle phono stage, the BC27pi?
hagtech
175 posts
 
Check out the Cornet Classic re-issue, $699.

jh
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