[Derockster]

Hi guys I'm in the market for a phono stage to replace a Linsley Hood that I've been listening to.I'm looking at the Trigon Vanguard11.Any input would be greatly appreciated.Turntable being used is a Rotel rp900 with a Rega rb250 arm fitted with an ADC xlm cartridge

Regards derockster

[Minn Mark]

The only phono stage I have ever used has been the ones in AVA pre-amps, and have never been tempted to look elsewhere. I suggest you call Audio by Van Alstine and talk to Frank; he has many options from standalone SS and hybrid phono stages, to very economical options for the DIY'er.  I have an Insight pre-amp with Insight phono (built-in) that I use with VPI Classic-Sumiko Blackbird, or a SOTA Comet-Ortofon 2Mred and both rigs sound amazing with his phono stage.

see www.avahifi.com ,  or the AVA circle here.

Mark

[BaMorin]

Another suggestion would be the DB Systems DB-8 for MM gain (37db) or the DB-8HG for MC gain (52db)

dbsystemsaudio.com        Not a real pretty website. Top shelf equipment for bargain basement prices.

[richidoo]

Vista Audio Phono 1, $400. Works very well, and well built by an AC Vendor.  I use mine with AT-150MLX cart with excellent results. I can't get enough  of it.

http://www.vista-audio.com/
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69666.0

[Derockster]

Hi guys,thanks for your input.I've been looking around and stumbled upon the Nighthawk.Any owners out there willing to share their impressions/opinions on this piece.

Regards Derockster

[Jlappy]

Derockster,

sorry no Nighthawk experience.  yet what is the rest of your system? (preamp, etc...).   

for what it's worth I had some great luck with the DB Systems DB-8 when i got back into vinyl two years ago, yet have sense up-graded for better symmetry with my preamp/cartridge combo.   

cheers,  Jim

[Derockster]

The rest of my system is as follows,Acoustat panels(model 3s) driven by an Acoustat amp with a legacy High Current preamp.

Regards derockster

[Jlappy]

derockster,

so with the ss pre have you ever thought of a tube phono?  great discussion on Jolida JD-9A phono amp hybrid here on VC.  I was tempted to try a Jolida, yet i have blue circle tube pre amp and ended up picking up a bc phono.   i've seen Jolida JD-9A's going for $300 used or $450.00 new on AudiogoN. 

cheers,  jim

[Listens2tubes]

+1 for the AVA  Insight.

[95Dyna]

Hi guys,thanks for your input.I've been looking around and stumbled upon the Nighthawk.Any owners out there willing to share their impressions/opinions on this piece.

Regards Derockster

Hi derockster,

I'm using the Ray Samuels F-117 Nighthawk with my VPI Classic/Benz Micro Wood SL.  I bought them all at the same time so not a good scenario to determine what's contributing what.  I will say this ensemble has blossomed into a exceptional analog playback system.  It took a while to come into its own and I'm going to guess it was the Nighthawk break-in period that made the difference.  I really like the load and gain adjustment knobs on the front of the unit.  Its size lets me place it under the VPI Classic.  Ray Samuels is a great guy to buy from.  He's responsive, treats you as an individual and is very sincere about keeping his customers happy.

When I first started up the sound was a bit bright and in the mid to upper bass there was an annoying resonance.  These are long gone now and I'm just marvelling at how really good the records sound.  I have many recordings that are 30-40 years old and the detail, soundstage and immaging I hear from them I have never before heard.  I say the Nighthawk is a must consideration in the Under $1K price segment.  Ray will give you a 30 day money back guarentee.  Call him and he'll tell you all about it.

Regards,

Bill

[Derockster]

Thanks Bill that's all I wanted to hear.

Regards

Cleaton