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Phonomena, vs PS GCPH, Others?

I've learned so much here as an observer but am going to request opinions proactively on this one. I've realized that I've over-done it in the warmth department at the expense of dynamics in my analogue chain. I recently auditioned a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II to replace my Pro-ject Tube Box II phono pre and enjoyed its dynamic extension. I dug it but a PS Audio GCPH has me wondering as I like my Digi Link iii DAC and could get one used for around the same. Are there other SS offerings that I should be looking at in this price range that would move me forward from my overly mellow presentation? Other stuff: Quad 22l2>Jolida 707a>Pro-ject Perspective TT w/ Grado Gold (could soon be switched to something like a Benz Ace).
grantd
plato
1,543 posts
 
On the other hand, I have tried 3 new GCPH's and all of them were objectionably noisy and had too much hum with my 0.26mV output Benz MC cartridge. So world-class, I think not, in my view, far from it.

I've had better luck with the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena, the Ray Samuels F-117 Blackhawk, and the Vacuum State JLTi although I admit the PS has nice features and works well with cartridges that are not very low output models.
jaspert
157 posts
 
Agree with Plato , stock GCPH has nice features, nice build but if you plan to use LOMC ( < 0.3 mV ) and the system lacks gain, then one could do better these days. I had the same issue as Plato and found it underwhelming in SQ even when gain was not an issue. Now what I said does not apply to the modded one as I have not heard them.

I have a few phono at the moment including MS Supernova, RSA Nighthawk, Allnic H1500SE and latest K&K Maxxed out. For less money than stock GCPH, the Nighthawk F117 is the best value, low noise, high gain, good dynamic and nice mid.
markd51
741 posts
 
The Sutherland Ph3D could be another candidate in this price range. Mark
grantd OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for pointing out the issue with low output cartridges and for all the other recommendations. While it's not a factor for me right now I don't like the idea of having that limitation in the future. One thing I wasn't sure of was if phono stages in this price range were up to the task of really working with LO MC cartridges in general or if it was better to stick to medium and high output MCs. For me personally, I'd rather have to ability to quietly amplify a smaller signal than have extra gadgets like a front gain control. This is getting complicated.
vinyladdict
164 posts
 
As always. It's about synergy. One mans giant slayer is another mans piece of $#!+.

I like both the Phenomena and the GCPH but prefer the GCPH in my system. I will admit "world class" is overstating anything in this price point I guess.
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