Phono Amp Slection Opinions support request

[Coigula]

New member here and wanted to have some needed input on a phono amp selection.

The phono amp will go between a Technic SL1200G and a Passl Labs Line Stage (legacy) and a fairlynew Pass Labs XA25 to Zu Soul Sumpremes. Room is 20 foot by 40ish feet and I listen 10-12 feet away, or exercise with streaming in back. Music selection varies but prefer natural human voice and do not use a sub.

I picked three phono amps in same price range as other components and will retire and out of place device I am getting by with until new one arrives. I have a preference for MC cartridges but no issue switching things around as needed. Price range is OK for long term use for me.

Here is my tentative selection
Sutherland Little Loco (Music Direct) - perhaps a specialty device- Expected to be faster quicker, or lively
Parasound JC3+ (Music Direct) - Mainstay phono amp, rich deeper bass perhaps and a safe bet usually
Manley Chinook (Upscale) - Tube amp; not much expereince here especially with moving coils.

Intent is to pick one for long hauls so selection is somewhat careful. I am not a tube head but Chinook might match system well.

 

[ChristopherP]

I bit. I like the Sutherland, it's solid state and adjustable. I think the Manley is the better phono pre. YMMV. One point, only you can answer. I saw no mention of your carts. The matching of the phono pre to the carts you have or want to move to will be critical to success. BTW I can't afford any of these. But I've been eyeing the smallest Sutherland unit for years.

 

[Coigula]

My streamers are Nvidia Bluesound NODE, and Panasonic UB820 I think. This is last piece of 10 year collection so understand costs myself.

Manley may be the best in several ways but they are all a bit different and interesting. All are US designed and serviced.

 

[sqlsavior]

I haven't heard any of 'em, so mark my words!

Sutherland seems to have a phono preamp at each price point possible. They seem to have a passion for marketing as much as for sound.

By reputation, I agree that the JC3+ is the safest bet.

But based upon my experience with my tubed Fosgate Signature, the Manley is the most intriguing to me. I'd also consider an EAR with an SUT. The Fosgate is wonderful, if you can find one. Good luck on your journey.

 

[Blue Shadow]

As you increase the gain of a tube unit the noise of the tubes can become part of the signal. This means maybe the Manley is going a bit far. Many tube phono amps have an SUT if they are LOMC capable. The 60dB gain of the Manley won't do the lower output range of LOMC like the old Ortofon MC-20 with 70 µV output (0.07mV) and ones in the 1mV and maybe a bit higher might like to see a bit more than 60dB gain depending on your other gear. Just a nugget of info. There are a lot of good SUTs that could be added to the Manley and use the 45dB gain setting.

Not having heard these, your sonic preferences should be a big part of the choice and how it matches the rest of the sound of your gear.

 

[mcgjohn]

@Coigula , really depends on what cart you are going to use. Did not see it mentioned in your post.

Have not heard or tried the Little Loco, but have owned and used 2 copies of the Chinook (one early and one later production), and the JC3+.

For LOMCs, the JC3+ will likely be quieter overall but also a tad dryer sounding. The Chinook, really comes to life with NOS Amperex bugle boys installed. While the Chinook has an MC input, it does not have a ton of gain, so for best results, I used a SUT device along with the MM input on the Chinook for LOMCs.

There is also a really inexpensive mod to the Chinook (all versions) that really opens up the sound. Replace the two 0.47uf WiMA caps next to the opamp with a Nichicon XY series. Will cost you about 2=3 bucks worth of parts plus labor.

Both phono stages are also available on the used market if that is an option.

At the price points these phono stages cost new, you also may want to consider a used VTL TP-6.5 series one. They go for 3500 or so used, so comparable in price to a new Chinook or JC.

The VTL TP 6.5 phono stage completely blows away both the Chinook and the JC. Its quieter, bigger sound stage, more dynamic, greater image depth with both MM and LOMC carts.

 

[Coigula]

Thanks for all the great input here! I did not expect such great feedback. I do have preference for LOMC - I use a Credenza Blue or just a treated Denon 103R more often for older vinyl. I vaguely just mentioned a preference for MC catridges. I like a turntable to be able to switch cartridges easily so went with the new release of Technic SL1200G.

Ill take a look if VTL Fosgate and EAT if nothing else but to learn more. I like simple designs that are servicable in US. VTL model had some very proud used prices on first pass, but tempting if 3500 usd is found .I do prioritize US or Japanese repair. If I did go more high end it would likely be a Luxman integrated amp with external DAC, phono and turntable. I am very happy with Pass Labs house sound though. I have definately never run a LOMC on a Tube phono stage. As such I am tempted to play around with some lofi options first on used market. My son takes them away so it is a good process for both. I did get him a refurb sony cassette player for fun. It really was enjoyable on Drop 6XX headphones. Much better than I ever remember as a kid myself.

I'll keep reading and learning on this site. I will admit to leaning toward Chinook. so will see if system behaves with entry level tube model somewhere for fun.

 

[Coigula]

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[stoutblock]

Thanks for all the great input here! I did not expect such great feedback. I do have preference for LOMC - I use a Credenza Blue or just a treated Denon 103R more often for older vinyl. I vaguely just mentioned a preference for MC catridges. I like a turntable to be able to switch cartridges easily so went with the new release of Technic SL1200G.

Ill take a look if VTL Fosgate and EAT if nothing else but to learn more. I like simple designs that are servicable in US. VTL model had some very proud used prices on first pass, but tempting if 3500 usd is found .I do prioritize US or Japanese repair. If I did go more high end it would likely be a Luxman integrated amp with external DAC, phono and turntable. I am very happy with Pass Labs house sound though. I have definately never run a LOMC on a Tube phono stage. As such I am tempted to play around with some lofi options first on used market. My son takes them away so it is a good process for both. I did get him a refurb sony cassette player for fun. It really was enjoyable on Drop 6XX headphones. Much better than I ever remember as a kid myself.

I'll keep reading and learning on this site. I will admit to leaning toward Chinook. so will see if system behaves with entry level tube model somewhere for fun.

You should seriously consider one of these:

https://www.modwright.com/sources/ph-90-tube-phono-stage.php