[daddydoom]

Hi all,

It must be the winter blues, but i have gotten the uprade bug bad. I am wanting to uprade my phono stage and need some suggestions. Getting a bet overwhelmed as what to look for. Currently i am using my MM stage that is built into my B100 intergrated. Not really unhappy with it, but it is not very  versitile. So it limits my cartridge choices.

My set current setup is a modified Thorens TD 160 HD with an Ortofon 212D arm and a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge. The Bryston B100 and Wilson Sophia speakers.

I am looking for something that has MM and MC capabilites with adjustable gains. Possibly 2 inputs. New or used / SS or tube. doesn't matter. Not a big tube fan, but would consider it for my TT. Soundstage and detail are my listening preferences. I listen to just about all genre of music. My limit is 5K much less if possible, but i want something that i won't need to upgrade for a while. 

I know senergy has a lot to do with it and personal preferences, but other peoples experiences and thoughts may steer me some kind of direction. Thats why i am asking for some do's and don't also. Have heard serveral stages in other setups, but nothing seemed to stand out.

Thanks for your time and comments in advance.

Matt

[Wasatch]

Maybe checkout Conrad Johnson's Phone Stage goes for around $2500.

[woodsyi]

I can honestly say I have not owned any gear you have on your system.  So I am kind of guessing what may work for you from bits I have heard at stores and shows.  If you just want to try low output moving coils, you can add a step up transformer to your MM phono section on your integrated.  Music you get from SS amp driving Wilson Sophias could potentially benefit from a tube preamp.  Where do you live?  I have a Modwright SWLP 9.0 SE with MM/MC you can try out to get a sense of what tubes can do.  Dan's phono section is full of details, PRAT and throws a holographic sound stage.  It kind of has an ARC house sound that is very neutral to cold for tubed gear (but warmer than most SS gear).   You can also try out the line stage portion to see if you like the sound of your amp mated to a different preamp.  I have no idea what your B100 does, but I don't like passive preamp sections usually built into integrated amps.  The only integrated I use, in my bedroom, has an active preamp section.

FWIW, If I had to make a recommendation for your budget, preference and the amp/speaker combo, I would say Art Audio Vinyl Reference with a good LOMC with the right compliance to match your arm.

[daddydoom]

Thanks Wasatch, I have been looking at some Conrad Johnson mono's fir some time, but haven't looked into their phono stuff


woodsyi,

I am not just wanting to try MC carts. I also want to upgrade my MM stage. My listening room is also my office, but that is about to change. My B100 will eventually be going into my new office, so I will have to start buying a new system for my room. Isn't that sad. I am not sure just what equipment i am going to purchase, but it will be a significant upgrade. The phono stage is just my first step.Thats why i want something somewhat versitile.

I like neutral. That is probably why i haven't fallen i love with tubes that much


I live in the Nashville TN area

Thanks for your comments

Matt

[TONEPUB]

If 5k is your budget, I'd highly recommend the new AVID pulsare phono stage.  Two inputs, tons of gain and loading options, built like a tank, very neutral sound and no tubes to fuss with.

We've got a review in process and I've been really impressed with the sound and build quality.

[twitch54]

I like neutral. That is probably why i haven't fallen i love with tubes that much

Sounds like a match made in heaven for ARC, while tubes are part of the equation there is little maintence and long tube life associated with them. Myself, I'm using the PH-5, more than happy with it and if you can keep your eye out on the 'Gon' you can pick one up with plenty of $$ left for more Lp's !!