2. analog
  3. 1077210082

Venturing into Vinyl - Phono Stage Questions

Well, I'm finally taking the plunge. Albert Porter's Tuesday night sessions have effectively ruined digital for me, and I've decided to try analog for myself. But, I do have some basic equipment questions, and would appreciate the suggestions of the Audiogon community...

Right now, I am using Vandersteen 2CE's with a Rogue amp and an AES tube output CD player. I think I have found a turntable, but would appreciate some suggestions on a tubed preamp and phono stage. I'd like to stay between $550-750 for both, and it seems like my options are as follows. (1) Get an older pre with built in phono stage, or (2) go with lower cost separates.

So my questions are... How good are the built-in phono stages on some of the older preamps out there (I'm thinking older Audio Research, CJ, Audible Illusions, etc.)? How do they compare with some of the newer, budget level stand alone phono stages (e.g. Lehmann, Channel Island, Bottlehead, Hagerman, etc.)? I'm very interested in trying out the DIY kits out there (specifically the Bottlehead Foreplay or the Consonance Basie) for a preamp, so if the newer budget stuff is really as good as people seem to say, I'd be more than comfortable going that route (DIY pre and separate phono).

Any advice and recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric
ewha
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,927 posts
 
Doug, regarding your post.

kudo's to Albert for showing another music lover the way. Of course he doesn't really fight fair does he. Maybe he should buy a Meitner to be more evenhanded

I didn't notice a Meitner in YOUR system either :^).

Maybe you know (as I do) that you can spend $20,000.00 and not close the gap between digital and the best analog. Instead of being mad at it, I choose a cheap player and just enjoy it for what it is.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,927 posts
 
By the way, Eric is one of the brightest and nicest young men I have met in many years.

I guarantee he will become famous, I'm absolutely convinced. Look for him to become a Federal Judge, appointed to the Supreme Court or play an important role in politics.
hififile
227 posts
 
Dear Eric,

I was using the phono section of my McIntosh MA-6500 and it was pretty decent. On a whim I purchased the $300 clear audio micro basic phono stage and was very suprised how much improvement it made. I use a Pro-Ject Perspective with Blue Point Special Cartridge and Magnepan speakers. This was the best upgrade I have made for the money.

My buddy has the Lehman Black Cube. I put it in my system and made an A/B comparison. I liked the Clear Audio better.

I found this to be a good way to try an outboard phono stage for a very small investment.

Happy Hunting!
ewha OP
80 posts
 
wow, albert. that's one of the nicest compliments i have ever received. it's especially meaningful coming from someone that i hold in such high regard. many thanks for your continued hospitality, guidance, and friendship.

thanks also to everyone else's comments and suggestions. i'm still not certain what direction i will take, but i certainly have a better idea.

happy listening to all!

-eric
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Albert, my partner has actually been considering going for a much higher end CDP than our current Arcam. I think I'll show him your comment, might save us a bundle of money. Thanks!
More to discover