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suggestions on small footprint phono stages

Hello gang - I'm interested in upgrading my phono stage (a PS Audio GCPH), but for the sake of WAF I need something with a smaller footprint width-wise (roughly in the dimensions of the GCPH, which is less than 1/2 a rack space).

I like and enjoy the GCPH (and it's flexibility), but it is a bit bright/cold sometimes (my speakers - Focal 1027 - contribute there). So, I am looking for something a little more organic - tube preferred as a contrast to the GCPH, but SS works too.

I'm flexible on price - ballpark $2k-$3k, new or used. To that end, the EAR 834P is on my list to check out (and an 88PB if I can find one secondhand), and the Artemis PL1/PH1, though I think that'll limit me to MCs (I currently have a Shelter 501mk2 and a Sumiko Blackbird - it'd be nice to have the flexibility to experiment with some MMs at some point, but not a dealbreaker), ASR mini basis.

Any suggestions to narrow the field down?

Thanks!
jerico
hevac1
811 posts
 
I would also give the Nagra BPS a try. It is very quiet as well as being a very neutral & musical sounding phono stage. It is quick and has a deep and open sound stage. Comes with a variety of loading modules and you can also have custom loading modules made for it.
As for size, it can fit in your pocket. You can use it with batteries or with a power adaptor.
Great item for its price.
nolitan
865 posts
 
ear834p for me
jerico OP
131 posts
 
Wow lots of praise for the Nagra - I'll have to hunt one down to hear!
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
ZYX Artisan. Very compact, simple, MM and MC, battery op, NO noise, bettered Asthetix Rhea Signature, competes w (but less flexible than) Manley Steelhead, does not quite get to the level of phono stages in Doshi Alaap or Vac Ren Mk2 but was not embarrassed by them either. At the price that SoraSound will sell a new one, its a steal!!!
chayro
1,801 posts
 
I think the Pro-ject Tube Box II SE sounds better than the GCPH I owned for a short while. MM/MC and sufficient loading options for the non-fanatic. Subsonic filter too, if you need it. I replaced the stock tubes with Black Sable Tung Sol and it sounded quite a bit better. It's a very nice little piece for the money. No doubt, not in class of the EAR, but still better than the PS IMHO.
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