2. amps-preamps
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VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

I'm contemplating my next upgrade. Thought you guys could help.

I spin mostly vinyl. I have a great analogue front end that feeds a VAC Standard LE pre and VAC PHI 200 amp, both of which I love. The MC stage on the pre is really good, but a little noisy (hiss). Kevin is sending me new 12AX7s that Brent will test for very low noise at the VACtory. Those guys just rock!

My question, however, is how much do I need to spend on an outboard MC phono stage if I want a significant upgrade to the already wonderful sound of the built-in stage?

I know, why don't I just enjoy the wonderful sound? Because it's upgrade time, baby! There will always be a next level (we really need a 12 step group for this hobby).

I'm looking at the Zesto Andros ($3900), the Herron VTPH-2 ($3700), and possibly the new Manley Chinook ($2200).

Ideally, I could audition these in my system, but the nearest dealer is far away, so I'll have to order one.

Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks,
Alón (no, not Wolf)
alonski
robd2
44 posts
 
I was thinking about the break in as being a factor because every time I saw this pre amp setup in the store it always had an outboard plugged into it. Maybe it hasn't been used enough? Or my store knows not to demo the phono... ; ) I will say it sounds like the phono needs time to open up. The unit is 13 months old.

Another interesting factor, what happens to me is that the line stage sounds so fantastic with my Ayre CD player then I switch over to the phono expecting to be wowed further. The line stage is that good.
robd2
44 posts
 
Big kudos to @rhljazz ! After about another 10hrs of break in time the on board phono is sounding pretty sweet! Not "perfect" but sounding much better. Will be interesting to see if if cleans up any more.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
502 posts
 
I’ve been pulling a lot of new and near-new gear into my system recently, and the break-in factor is significant. Honestly I’m ready to attribute it as much to mental/psychological break-in (i.e. me getting used to a new sound) as much as any changes happening in the gear itself (though probably a bit of both), but regardless of what causes the phenomenon, it can be profound.

Some of the upgrade pieces that are now system favorites were definitely NOT as good as what they replaced for the first few dozen hours.

That said, I still don’t have the patience for gear that isn’t going to get at least close to where it needs to be after 100 hours of my time invested into it.
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
Be persistant robd2.  Ten hours is barely a taste of what is to come.  I'm glad you have you have been open minded and decided to proceed.  It has taken me years to take the time to give the phono a fair trial.  I have owned the VAC since 2003.  Yikes, like 12 to 13 years to come to the patience to give it a go!  

I'm currently listening to Weather Report Sportin Life as I type which is dynamic and well recorded.  Sounds great!

Enjoy the journey.
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