I'm currently using an AcousTech Ph-1 Premier phono stage with my Clearaudio Performance DC & Maestro cart. The rig sounds good but the Ph-1 is really the only higher quality phono stage I've used. I'm wondering if I could get a quieter background and faster transients from another preamp without breaking the bank. The Ph-1 is basically a Sutherland if anyone isn't familiar. I've heard Sutherland can be some laid back. I can't tell it but as I said never had the chance to compare. The Ph-1 was the rage when it was current.
Anyone interested in bringing something over for me to listen to?
I could probably audition the Nova 2 or a new Octave Audio piece, EQ2. Any thoughts on if they'd best what I'm using in any way? The EQ2 is supposed to be really good, the proof is in hearing but for now it's small and uses a wall wart for cost of nearly 2k. I was also looking at the Graham Slee Era Gold 2 MM only, any thoughts or experience here?
Thanks