2. amps-preamps
  3. 1268079934

Pre + phono under $2500?

this will be used in 2nd system.

have Nottingham Hyperspace + 12" Anna arm as source, have several cartridges to pair with this rig and all are low output MC. currently have a PS Audio GCPH with PCX mod, it's quite good though I prefer tube. haven't decided on amp yet though most likely will be a tube, speakers will be Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento unless wife makes me sell them to free up cash and I will go for Merlin VSM-MX or Usher BE-718.

I had Atma Sphere MP-3 before, I was very impressed with the sound but it lack remote.

I had Audible Illusions 3A before, maybe it was the tubes I didn't get too excited.

prefer one box solution, but open to pre + phono and will love to have remote & XLR out so I can run long IC.

what else is out there that matchs Atma Sphere MP-3 in sound?
semi
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
I guess you can get a used vk-31 + remote + phono card at the price.
I recently got vk-30 with phono card and vk-200, all at under $3000. The sound is amazing. (I have Tyler LSS speakers and Arcam CD23 cdp)
semi OP
649 posts
 
Just looked up Pacific Valve, looks like this is another china stereo which has no proven history or reliability.

I am trying to find a BAT to listen to.

Some of the finer pre amp with phono all lack remote, Hovland, Atma Sphere, CAT, and AI. If I can live w/o remote, I will have many more choices.
rccc
216 posts
 
Pacific valve backs up and services the products they sell. Several of the above mentioned companys have had QC problems and failures in the field. The build quality of the Doge is comparable to any of the above. Im not selling anything here just sharing my experience.
More to discover