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How much difference will a phono stage upgrade make?

For the past couple of years I’ve slowly been upgrading my audio equipment. I currently have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amplifier, an EAT C-Sharp TT with an Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge, and Tannoy Revolution XT 8F speakers. The weak link at this point, it would seem, is my phono stage, which is a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS. All things considered, my system sounds really good to my ears, but I can’t help but wonder what a phono stage upgrade would bring to the table. I’m looking at the Manley Chinook Special Edition MK II, which is a big step up in terms of cost, but I wonder how much better it will actually sound. Has anybody made a similar upgrade, and was there a marked uptick in sound quality?
12hz

Showing 3 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
Save your money and get a Herron Audio VTPH-2a.  No need to upgrade when you have the best.  The Herron is the last stop on the upgrade path.
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
@12hz    

That's why I said save your money.  Yes, the Herron is a bit more expensive than the others you mentioned, but getting a VTPH-2a will keep you from losing money on trade-ins for upgrades.  

BTW, even if you CAN find a used early model Herron VTPH-1, it will perform as well or better than any of the non-Herron models being discussed in this thread.  

But it's your money and you should spend it however YOU want.  
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
Decent selection.  Nice musical phono stage.  It should serve you well for years without a big desire for an upgrade.  Not a big number of phono stages that are better.  
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