[Brad]

I backed off from my initial budget and also the insistence on tubes.

I found a good deal on a demo Channel Islands VPP-1.
When it comes in, I'll have a chance to compare it with a custom-built Hagerman Bugle that someone here was nice enough to lend me......
 


In the higher budget range, I had narrowed it down to the EAR 834P and the GSP Audio Era Gold Mk V.    

Thanks for all of the suggestions.


Now, on to the cartridge.  Any suggestions for a MM or high output MC in the $300 range?     TT is a Music Hall MMF-5.

The Dynavector 10x5 and the Shure V-15 have been recommended to me in the past.

[JoshK]

From what I understand the Dyn 10x4 is a great cart for the MMF-5.  I don't know because I sold my MMF-5 and jumped to the Dyn 20xh.  I might check out the Shelter 501 but I think your arm might have a hard time with that cart.

In the higher priced range I think you might be better off looking at Emmeline XR-2.  I think going the tube route in that price range while still beating the XR-2's performance (from what I have read, not heard yet myself) will likely be really tough.  Many like the Ear, but I have heard a number of lukewarm comments about it to.

[Brad]

Thanks Josh,

I've been leaning towards the Dyna 10x, and with Art D's strong review of it, seems like a can't lose idea....

[JoshK]

Cart auditioning is impossible it seems, this is where we really have to rely on one another's experience for help.  I own the 20x and I love it!  Surface noise goes down a several db's at least it seems.  I really like this cart but I haven't tried what all is out there.  I don't know how one would without serious $$$.  And even then would you be honest with yourself and others that cart X sucks if you shelled out $1000+ for it?  

I think there are some experienced guys on AA that have been through quite a few to know what's what and I rely upon them somewhat as well as the in between the lines to see if it suits my taste and what I am going for ultimately.

[duff138]

i read lots a great reviews on the Channel Islands VPP-1. I don't think you'll need to spend any more money on a phono amp.

[JoshK]

I kinda agree with duff for the most part.  I have tried a few phono stages, and I think low noise, low distortion and close tolerance is what matters most in a phono stage.  I might lean towards the Emmeline for a cost no object or the VPP for more affordable.

[Psychicanimal]

Your TT is the weak link.  I would not install a $300 cartridge on it.  If you want to keep it I'd buy one of those cheap voltage stabilizers from eBay ($20 or so).  If the arm is compatible, I'd look at a Stanton 881S but you'd need to change the resistors so as to attain the 75K Ohm loading.

The Channel Islands will benefit tremendously from a cryo'ed power cord of adequate gauge size.  I recently installed a pretty expensive power cord I got at a bargain price on my Monolithic outboard power supply and the benefits have been amazing!  One of the Ridge Street guys was at my place last night and his response was, "The sound is not electronic anymore..."  Prior to  that I was using a Jena Labs cryo'ed Absolute Power Cord.

[mcrespo71]

I think the Dynavector 10 XH is the finest $300 cartridge I have ever heard.  It's an excellent choice.  Other possibilities are the Grado Platinum (which I own and enjoy), Benz Micro Silver/Gold, or the Shure.  All have their positives and I think you will find things to enjoy with any of these cartridges.

Michael