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Phono Stage Suggestions

V

vinyl_vibe

Member
Looking for some phono stage advice. I’m about to pull the trigger on a PrimaLuna Classic Integrated Amp. This has got me thinking about phono stages as well. Currently, I’m using a Pro-ject Phono Box SE II with a Pro-ject RPM5.1 and a Ortofon 2m Blue. Speakers are B&W 685s

I think the SE II will probably be fine for now but want to start thinking about possible upgrades around the £300 range. One contender is the Clearaudio Nano. Have read good things and like the fact that it has a built in headphone socket.

Thoughts, Suggestions?
 
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May I be the first to suggest you spend as much on your phono stage as on your amp, and get a Fosgate Signature?

- a newly delighted listener...

:music:
 
I love my Vista Audio phono pre amp. It's $300 and it's infinitely customizable as far as loading or gain. Really quiet also. Do a search on the site.
 
vinyl_vibe said:
Sadly, can't afford that option but thanks
Click to expand...

Some frequent suggestions here are:

your Clearaudio Nano candidate
Musical Surroundings Phenomena ll
Rega Fono
Hagelman Bugle2 or Cornet2

The following also look interesting to me:
Jasmine LP2.5 DU
Lounge Audio LCR Mk III

Haven't heard any of them, sorry. :no:

There's an Apt Holman on the 'bay now if you're feeling adventurous. I had one, and loved the phono stage (and the line stage too).

IMO, the phono stage of a Hafler DH-110 sounds pretty darn good, too.

Maybe others will chime in...

:music:
 
Price doesn't always mean better.

The Emotiva XPS-1 is a very good phono preamp for the money. There is a huge thread that was started earlier this year, and there are lots of members who have been very satisfied with their purchase, me included.

Schiit has come out with the Mani. The price is cheaper than the XPS-1, but I haven't seen any reviews to say it is good or bad. I should mention both are MM/MC compatible.

One important difference that needs to be mentioned. If you want to try one in your home, Schiit has a 15 day return policy, whereas the Emotiva allows you 30 days.

Something to consider before making your decision. :music:
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Not sure I'll be able to locate either in the UK but still really great to research the possibilities.
 
i see a lot of good suggestions here. a friend has the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS :

http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=phonoboxrs&cat=boxes&lang=en

(sorry about the euro price)

he is quite content with his prima luna integrated and the PRO-Ject phono stage and is upgrading to a better prima luna but is standing pat with project tt and phono section.

other considerations might be clearaudio nano:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinf...UCDtZRaI84hzu__n7U8OjaxFYKl5M7fzBaBoCF1Pw_wcB

or the ADL a mm/mc phono/dac combo:

http://www.adl-av.com/products/usbdac/gt40/

this one has other desirable features. i have not heard this one but it has been fairly stable in the marketplace. were i in need, it would be a consideration.
 
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