[jjc1]

Interesting Doug. My understanding is that the Nova and standard are essentially the same except for the batteries in the Nova, but I could be wrong. What cartridge did you run the unit with? I run a Denon DL-103r and I think it sounds great, but I have had only a couple of other lower priced units to compare.
Maybe I'm missing out and don't know it.

  I have the Nova and think it's a great phono amp for the money. Before I bot the Nova,  only the standard Phenomena was available for me to demo. I really didn't hear much difference between the two. Maybe something was wrong with the standard Phenomena that Doug S tried.

[rollo]

  For your budget a no brainer is the Vista phonostage. Second choice Jolida. Have fun.


charles
SMA

[S Clark]

  For your budget a no brainer is the Vista phonostage. Second choice Jolida. Have fun.


charles
SMA

I have both the Vista and the upgraded Cambridge 640P.  The Vista is better, but it is not a no brainer- and the Cambridge can do both MM and MC.

[rollo]

I have both the Vista and the upgraded Cambridge 640P.  The Vista is better, but it is not a no brainer- and the Cambridge can do both MM and MC.

    For his applicaton most likly a MM will be used. So for me it is a no brainer.  Every once in a while a product comes along that is out of bounds compared to similarly priced units.
   I stand by my statement as the Vista is that piece.



charles
SMA

[doug s.]

Interesting Doug. My understanding is that the Nova and standard are essentially the same except for the batteries in the Nova, but I could be wrong. What cartridge did you run the unit with? I run a Denon DL-103r and I think it sounds great, but I have had only a couple of other lower priced units to compare.
Maybe I'm missing out and don't know it.

first of all, i had the original phonomena, not the series ll iteration.  what, if any improvements were made, and what if any differences the nova brings to the table, i cannot say.  i can only cite my experience.  i was using a lomc cartridge, the ortofon mc-25fl.  it's rated at 0.5mv, but gordon rankin of wavelength audio told me it was actually closer to 0.25mv, and he recommended i not purchase a used wavelength tube fono stage i was considering at the time.  anyway, i found the sound of the original phonomena to be wery dry and uninwolwing.  mebbe something was wrong w/it?  mebbe, but i doubt it - i suspect it was simply that the built-in fono stage in my linn kairn was better.    i do know that the linn linto gets fantastic rewiews, tho i have never heard one.  i am presently quite happy w/my pentagon ps-3...

as always...

ymmv,

doug s.,
"so called expert?"   

[sunnydaze]

    For his applicaton most likly a MM will be used. So for me it is a no brainer.  Every once in a while a product comes along that is out of bounds compared to similarly priced units.
   I stand by my statement as the Vista is that piece.

charles
SMA

Wrong about the MM!  This is what the OP said:

"It will need to have adequate gain for a Low output of 0.5mv.  My budget is $200-350.00 for something used.  All opinions appreciated."


I do however agree w your Vista rec.  I own it and think it is VG, especially for the money.

[neobop]

My cousin owns a Korora and claims it 'trounces' his previous phono stage (can't remember what it was) at 3 times the price. With shipping, it would be at the upper limit of your range.

It runs on batteries with a built in recharging circuit.

www.audiophileproducts.com

I was reading about that one. It's an interesting piece. I think it's worth a second look.
neo

[dlaloum]

The two within the price bracket and with the features and flexibility that I think should be standard across all phono stages..... (but isn't)

Firestone Audio Korora
Musical Surround phonomena

The Korora is quite a bargain....

Both of these have almost infinite adjustabillity in terms of cartridge loading as well as gain.... makes them very very flexible.

I would order the Korora with a 1M ohm resitance in its optional loading slot (no additional cost option) - then you can do any imaginable resistive loading using external plugs in parallel....

bye for now

David

[rollo]

Wrong about the MM!  This is what the OP said:

"It will need to have adequate gain for a Low output of 0.5mv.  My budget is $200-350.00 for something used.  All opinions appreciated."


I do however agree w your Vista rec.  I own it and think it is VG, especially for the money.

 I stand corrected, thanks. Read never assume . Oh well BTW the Vista handles MC as well.



charles
SMA

[putz]

Nick77 upgraded a non working 640P that I gave him several months ago, even more extensively than I have mine.  Over at AudioKarma, a fellow called Hypnotoad has apparently done several.  See http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=321083

I don't solder so would need someone to do it for me. I remember one forum had a thread where a guy was doing them for a fee, but can't remember which forum it was. If anyone wants to Mod my 640P for a fee please get in touch.

[doug s.]

also, i would suggest keeping an eye open for the older acurus and mondial fono stages.  while i have never heard them, many folks have said they are great bargain quality stages.  if you don't like what you hear, you will be able to re-sell w/o taking a loss, as they're quite popular...

doug s.

[midfi]

I don't solder so would need someone to do it for me. I remember one forum had a thread where a guy was doing them for a fee, but can't remember which forum it was. If anyone wants to Mod my 640P for a fee please get in touch.

you'd be surprised how easy it is. If a dunce such as myself can do it anyone can!

[mikecole]

I've had the Vista phono stage for a couple of years now. I have it running with a Dyna 10x5 on my LP-12. The best thing about it is that the manufacturer will set up the gain and loading to match your cartridge when you order one. You don't have to settle for settings that are "close enough".

[midfi]

And when you get a chance, bring it up a level or two by replacing the cheap capacitors with decent Panasonics and upgrade the op amps- another $35-40... still cheap and a good sound.

all I've heard is good about this basic mod, low dollar outlay and super performance in return.

[lounge Audio]

I don't solder so would need someone to do it for me. I remember one forum had a thread where a guy was doing them for a fee, but can't remember which forum it was. If anyone wants to Mod my 640P for a fee please get in touch.

You get me the parts and the unit and I will do it gratis. PM me.
Robert
Lounge Audio 

   

[jameshuls]

I'm surprised nobody has recommended this Hagerman Technology Bugle. Although you can do it as a kit ($149), you may be able to find one already built for the same price:

http://hagtech.com/bugle.html

There is also a Hagtech forum on audiocircle.

I have built a Hagerman tubed Cornet II phono pre and a piccolo head amp and can attest to the very high level at which they perform. There are many others who feel likewise...

[neobop]

You get me the parts and the unit and I will do it gratis. PM me.
Robert
Lounge Audio 

What a generous offer.
neo