[Minn Mark]

The recent (Nov 2010) TAS buyers guide indicates the AVA Tanscendence 8+ as a recommended pre-amp. They prefer the line stage version, saying "the optional phonostage fared less well".  I'm currently using an Insight EC with the phonostage.  I also have a Rec-O-Kut  phonostage, that I use mainly for its EQ for 78's. I have not tried it with my 'reference' TT, which I play thru the AVA phono. Always sounded good to me.

AVA users, what's your favorite (economical) phono stage?  Opinions on Frank's on-board phono stage, versus an outboard AVA or other phono pre-amp.

Welcome your thoughtful, respectful responses, as I plan my listening list for Turkey Day....


Mark 

[avahifi]

The comments on the T8 phono stage are obsolete.  We switched to our best solid state phono preamp for this unit some time ago with outstanding results and with a cost savings of $100.

With a pure tube phono stage it simply was not possible to follow the RIAA EQ curve properly without going into a very complex and expensive multi-tube configuration.  Our newest Insight+ phono stage is really amazing and that was a much better choice and value.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Charles Calkins]

I'll second Frank's comments. I got one in my AVAstar Pre.

                                                   Cheers
                                                   Charlie

[Listens2tubes]

I third that. My T8+ has the Insight phono stage and it sings. It was not easy for me being a tubeaholic, but Frank explained things to me and I am a very happy listener.

[vintagebob]

I have the phono section in my Insight EC.  It sounds great with my P3-24/Exact 2 combo.

[WGH]

Tone Depth and I compared the Insight+ phono stage to my Hagerman Cornet2 phono pre-amp along with the AVA 440 amps in this thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=83433.0

I think the phono circuit in the AvaStar is different than what is in the Insight+ so I would not want to extrapolate my impressions over the entire AVA line.

Here is my review from the above link:

The AVA Phono vs. Hagerman Cornet2

I have always been curious how different well designed phono pre-amps sound. The solid state AVA phono section is an upgrade option for their pre-amps while the Hagerman Cornet2 is a separate tube based phono pre-amp. The price advantage goes to AVA, the RIAA Phono Circuits are $199 while the Cornet2 cost me $850 and I had to put it together myself.

At first listen I was impressed. The AVA phono has great solid bass, a nice solid center image, and clear highs. I would describe the sound as precise and accurate, just like their pre-amps and amps, this may be all the phono pre-amp you would ever need. An AVA pre-amp with a phono section is a perfect combination for anyone thinking of getting back into vinyl.

The Cornet2 added a little tube magic into vinyl. Of course with a tube amp the flavor of the sound can be changed to reflect personal taste and system synergy. I picked a rectifier tube that has great bass, so while the AVA accurately played the notes, the Cornet2 added the body of the instrument, bass was deeper with a roundness to the notes. Midrange had that tube magic, also the AVA was tonally little thinner. The Ella and Bassie album sounded slightly anemic using the AVA, but only in comparison. The Cornet2 has fabulous highs, this isn't a rolled off tubey sounding amp. The addition of the Russian FT-3 caps added sparkle and detail that surpasses even the excellent highs of the AVA phono section.

Only in comparison does the Cornet2 surpass the AVA's first class sound. The AVA phono is an outstanding upgrade, it is always musical and at $199 it's a steal.

Wayne

[Minn Mark]

Thanks to all for your comments. I got what I needed. Frank please feel free to close this thread.

Thanks !

Mark

[Listens2tubes]

Mark I'll add that I always found the tube phono section of my early T8 to be very musical and detailed. I was running NOS Mullard Master Series 10M 12ax7A tubes which totally outclassed the JJ's and vintage RCA black plates that preceded them. In fact my system was very good sounding to others as well.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING

[SP2002]

I know I'm adding to an older thread but this is on topic. I had been thinking recently of purchasing a separate phono stage for my T8 as it is just hasn't performed up to the standard of the line stage. In an attempt to keep it simple I decided to replace the JJ12AX7s with the Genalex Gold Lions, not cheap but well reviewed and I didn't want to go the NOS/Used route on this one. Well, what a change for the better! Not night and day but substantial. The Gold Lions really put some flesh on the bones. Now the phono stage is musical, more full bodied without loss of detail. I've only got 4 hours or so on the tubes and we'll see after another 30 what the end result will be but already I'm happy. As an aside, what gives with these tube sockets? Pulling those JJs was like pulling teeth. I felt like I needed some sticks of dynamite to get them out. The Gold Lions weren't easy going in either. FYI the associated equipment is an LP12, Origin Live Encounter, Dynavector 10X4. 

[Kinger]

So as an individual that purchased a T8 a little over a year ago, should I interpret from this thread that.......

1.) By changing the tubes in my pre amp, I will not be affecting the sound from the phonostage?

2.) If I wanted to possibly improve what I'm hearing from my T8 phonostage, I'm probably going to need to spend upwards of 1K on a separate external phono?

[topround]

Only in comparison will you garner anything meaningful.
Unless the phono stage is horrid, which I am sure Frank would not design a bad phono stage.

I loved my little SS phono until I bought a better one, which killed it.
We all love what we have, until we have something better and there is always something better.
Even better than Franks'

[Wayner]

So as an individual that purchased a T8 a little over a year ago, should I interpret from this thread that.......

1.) By changing the tubes in my pre amp, I will not be affecting the sound from the phonostage?

2.) If I wanted to possibly improve what I'm hearing from my T8 phonostage, I'm probably going to need to spend upwards of 1K on a separate external phono?

Since the phono board dumps into the line stage, changing tubes will affect the overall sound. I have 3 AVA preamps (2 SS Insight+, FET Valve), and the SS phono stages in these preamps are very highly regarded around here. While there certainly are many phono stages even above $1k mark, the elusive performance increase you are looking for, may not be there.

The vinyl chain is certainly in need of synergy between table, arm, cartridge and phono stage, so there is not one gremlin, but rather 4 that need to be evaluated.

Wayner

[SP2002]

So as an individual that purchased a T8 a little over a year ago, should I interpret from this thread that.......

1.) By changing the tubes in my pre amp, I will not be affecting the sound from the phonostage?

2.) If I wanted to possibly improve what I'm hearing from my T8 phonostage, I'm probably going to need to spend upwards of 1K on a separate external phono?

MY recent experience swapping out the JJs with the Gold Lions was a positive experience meaningful to ME, meaningful enough to post. YMMV and system synergy matters.
IMO the T8 is a GREAT full-featured preamp with a good phono stage.
I understand that the newer T8s with the SS phono stages are better.
Either way, I've had mine 5 years, use it almost every day and have no hankering to replace it at all. This is the first time I even opened the hood.
I may have saved myself $920.00.