Phone stage for VPI Scout 1.1


Can anyone recommend a phono stage in the $300- approx. $1000 (new or used) range for my newly purchased Scout. I know there are tons out there however, any that stand out in this range or match well with VPI?
samzx12

Its actually more important to match the phono stage to the cartridge you are using, not the TT.  So in this case an Ortofon 2M Black.  Being a MM cartridge, you want to find a phono stage that has as selectable capacitance as low as possible to at least 100pf.  Most fixed stages are at around 200pf.  Some standouts within your budget that I can think of would be...

Creek OBH-15MKII

Lehman Black Cube

Moon 110LP

Musical Surroundings Phonomena II

The above would be a good place to start.


There is a nice Croft listed here for $729 and a Suthreland PH-3 for $630. I don't think you would go wrong with either of these!