VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

Podeschi, et al,

I had a thought... and naturally, it throws another wrench into the works. Here goes:

What if I find a phono pre that is significantly better than the one built-in to my wonderful VAC pre (which seems possible from all the great feedback on this thread)... And what if that phono pre has a excellent volume control AND a line level input for my CD player, AND a Variable output from the phono stage DIRECTLY to my VAC Phi 200 amp that drives my main speakers, AND a Fixed output to feed my Ray Samuels Raptor headphone amp... Theoretically, I could (gasp!) replace my VAC pre completely!

I know, it's heresy, but it may make sense: Replacing an amazing preamp that has a really good built-in phono stage, with an OUTSTANDING phono stage that allows me to go direct to my VAC amp for best LP sound (which is what I care about most) and would accommodate my CD player with what would probably be a very decent line stage input. So in essence, it's a preamp with its main focus on vinyl.

One more benefit to this is that I could sell my VAC pre to offset some of the cost of the new phono stage.

So far, the only phono pre I've come across that meets these requirements is the Manley Steelhead at $8000. Do any of you know of other phono stages that have these features? If I go in this direction, it'll sure narrow down the list of candidates...

And, when Kevin does build an outboard phono stage, I'd probably get it.
Thoughts?

ERRATA:

I was mistaken, the Steelhead remote only adjusts volume, not cartridge loading. Damn. Instantly A/B-ing different setting options from my sweet spot with my eyes closed would have been so useful.

Hi, so have you ever though about keeping your VAC pre/phono and trying a high quality step up transformer? depending on the cartridge you are using which is the best match.

I am running a E.A.R. MC4 into my Nagra VPS, it's pretty impressive. My issue started when I bought a 2nd cartridge with .18mv output vs my regular cartridge with .5mv output..

This might be a different, but rewarding path...

Alon, re the question you posed just above, I think that the Coincident Statement Phono Preamp, with the apparently optional line-level input, is one to consider. I have no experience with it, but I have seen its sonics praised highly by other members.

It meets all of the requirements you specified in your post with the exception that it does not have a fixed output. Obviously, though, you could determine a setting of its volume controls that would be optimal for use with your headphone amp, perhaps even the max setting that would essentially remove its volume controls from the signal path. It does provide two sets of output jacks, btw.

There is no remote, though, and the separate dual mono volume controls may or may not be to your liking.

Its 66 db overall gain seems to me to be a good match for your 0.4 mv cartridge and the relatively high 36 db gain of your amplifier.

Good luck on your quest!

-- Al

Allot of different opinions as the norm, I see mention of different models etc.

Doshi pre-amp, it's a fine pre but in my opinion the line stage is not in the same league as the Sig. MK2a, phono really did not do allot of comparisons so I can't comment.

I was really disapointed at the price point of the Doshi and when I got mine, garage type fit and finish left me scratching my head.

As the norm there are going to be preferences and what one likes and or prefers, the rest of the set-up is very important also.

Vac will be coming out with a Reference phono, only time will tell. There are lots of great phono's out there to try but again it's all relative and subjective.