What phono stage would you get for $2500

[Puma Cat]

If I sell my bikes this week, I was considering using a portion of that and taking Jeff's suggestion and upgrading my phono stage.

I've set a target price point of approx. $2500 and wondered what you guys would get for something in this price range.

If you don't see what you consider here, please add it in a comment. Thanks.

Something I've also considered is Serge's EAR 324P if he still that available for $2895.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

If I sell my bikes this week, I was considering using a portion of that and taking Jeff's suggestion and upgrading my phono stage.

I've set a target price point of approx. $2500 and wondered what you guys would get for something in this price range.

If you don't see what you consider here, please add it in a comment. Thanks.

Something I've also considered is Serge's EAR 324P if he still that available for $2895.

Nagra BPS

[AudioNut]

I voted for the Pass XP-15 only because I have been using a Pass X-Ono phono stage for over five years and I am still extremely satisfied and pleased with the sound, its adjustability, and with the extremely high level of build quality.

I have not heard the XP-15, only its predecessor. I've tried 5 -6 others during the five years I've owned the Pass, just to see if I need to "upgrade" and have not found any that exceed the sound quality of the Pass (that I can afford to buy).

Julian

[Mikado463]

Fosgate signature...........or John Curls Parasound unit

[cmalak]

Stephen...I have the nagra BPS and give it a big thumbs up (so I would add it to the list). I compared it the Fosgate (head-to-head) and you can see which one I bought. My sense is the Koetsu and even Shelter carts when combo'd with the CJ phono pres may be too much of a good thing (this is purely based on my sense of the CJ sound and not actual listening so you are a better judge there). From your list, my vote would go for the AVid Pulsus given the reviews of the Pulsar from Jeff and others. Sounds like a neutral but still natural sounding phono preamp. Will you have a chance to audition any of these?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jprice

I voted for the Pass XP-15 only because I have been using a Pass X-Ono phono stage for over five years and I am still extremely satisfied and pleased with the sound, its adjustability, and with the extremely high level of build quality.

Julian,
Turns out there is an X-Ono for sale on Audiogon nearby in Sunnyvale. That would definitely be one I would consider.

[Removed]

I think the one available in Sunnyvale is an X-15 but there is also a X-phono in Petaluma.....If you like to listen to the Fosgate in your system I can arrange for that.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by A/V Solutions

I think the one available in Sunnyvale is an X-15 but there is also a X-phono in Petaluma.....If you like to listen to the Fosgate in your system I can arrange for that.

Oops, you're right, Jeff, thanks.

And I may take you up on the offer to auditon the Fosgate.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Stephen...I have the nagra BPS and give it a big thumbs up (so I would add it to the list). I compared it the Fosgate (head-to-head) and you can see which one I bought. My sense is the Koetsu and even Shelter carts when combo'd with the CJ phono pres may be too much of a good thing (this is purely based on my sense of the CJ sound and not actual listening so you are a better judge there).

Thanks, Cyril.

For those that have heard not C-J current products, they are quite a bit closer to neutral than many remember. My CT-5 is so close to neutral that it borders on being a little too neutral for my tastes at times. In fact, a bit warmer C-J Pr15 might be just the ticket if I keep decide to keep the CT-5. The LP-70S amp is pretty close to neutral as well. Those Teflon caps tend to make components quite uncolored.

Also bear in mind that my EAR is a nice warm phono stage and I love it with the Koetsu with either pre-amp.

[KMC45]

I'd contact Serge.