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Phono-Pre Amps & Cartridges Welcome to the Dark Side! |
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Need Recommendation: Phonostage
Hello all,
I am interested in upgrading my phonostage, taking my sound to the next level. As of now, it is weakest link in my setup and I could use some advice. My current setup: Preamp: C1100 Amps: MC601 Speakers: Focal Scala V2 Phonostage: JE Audio HP20 TT: Prime Scout Cartridge: Cadenza Bronze Cables: Cardas Cygnus There are 4 phonostages that I am interested in and can afford, but won't be able to audition in my system prior to buying. I could really use help understanding the differences and/or issues and get a sense of what would be the best one to get for my system. They are a mix of SS and Tubes: 1. Zesto Andros Deluxe 2. Esoteric E-03 3. Pass Labs XP-17 4. Audio Research PH-9 Thank you for your help.
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Preamp: Mcintosh C1100 DAC: Auralic Vega G2 Streamer: Auralic Aries G2 Surround Processor: Mcintosh MX122 CD/DVD: Oppo 205 Amps: Mcintosh MC601, Mcintosh MC8207 (surround) Power: PS Audio P15 Turntable: VPI Scout + Cadenza Bronze + VPI ADS Phonostage: Zesto Deluxe Tuner: Mcintosh MR88 Main speakers: Focal Scala V2 Center Speaker: Focal Sopra CC Surrounds: Klipsch RP250S Power Cables: Audioquest Hurricane Interconnect Cables: Cardas Clear/Cygnus Speaker Cables: Audioquest Thunderbird Subwoofer: JL Audio F113V2 |
#2
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Have you rolled different tubes in the C1100?
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#3
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I have not. I received it new a couple of months ago, wanted to first get a sense of what it sounded like with stock tubes.
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Preamp: Mcintosh C1100 DAC: Auralic Vega G2 Streamer: Auralic Aries G2 Surround Processor: Mcintosh MX122 CD/DVD: Oppo 205 Amps: Mcintosh MC601, Mcintosh MC8207 (surround) Power: PS Audio P15 Turntable: VPI Scout + Cadenza Bronze + VPI ADS Phonostage: Zesto Deluxe Tuner: Mcintosh MR88 Main speakers: Focal Scala V2 Center Speaker: Focal Sopra CC Surrounds: Klipsch RP250S Power Cables: Audioquest Hurricane Interconnect Cables: Cardas Clear/Cygnus Speaker Cables: Audioquest Thunderbird Subwoofer: JL Audio F113V2 |
#4
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Luxman tube phono should be on your list of potentials as well.
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#5
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What is your budget?
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#6
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Up to 5k, and definitely looking at used as well.
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Preamp: Mcintosh C1100 DAC: Auralic Vega G2 Streamer: Auralic Aries G2 Surround Processor: Mcintosh MX122 CD/DVD: Oppo 205 Amps: Mcintosh MC601, Mcintosh MC8207 (surround) Power: PS Audio P15 Turntable: VPI Scout + Cadenza Bronze + VPI ADS Phonostage: Zesto Deluxe Tuner: Mcintosh MR88 Main speakers: Focal Scala V2 Center Speaker: Focal Sopra CC Surrounds: Klipsch RP250S Power Cables: Audioquest Hurricane Interconnect Cables: Cardas Clear/Cygnus Speaker Cables: Audioquest Thunderbird Subwoofer: JL Audio F113V2 Last edited by Killergurt; 01-15-2019 at 03:12 PM. |
#7
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I have had good luck with the Esoteric E-03. Much better than the AR PH-8.
The E-02 would be a nice upgrade. |
#8
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Thanks Jim. I wish I could afford the 02, I would probably go for it first.
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Preamp: Mcintosh C1100 DAC: Auralic Vega G2 Streamer: Auralic Aries G2 Surround Processor: Mcintosh MX122 CD/DVD: Oppo 205 Amps: Mcintosh MC601, Mcintosh MC8207 (surround) Power: PS Audio P15 Turntable: VPI Scout + Cadenza Bronze + VPI ADS Phonostage: Zesto Deluxe Tuner: Mcintosh MR88 Main speakers: Focal Scala V2 Center Speaker: Focal Sopra CC Surrounds: Klipsch RP250S Power Cables: Audioquest Hurricane Interconnect Cables: Cardas Clear/Cygnus Speaker Cables: Audioquest Thunderbird Subwoofer: JL Audio F113V2 |
#9
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Need Recommendation: Phonostage
Granted it’s not as high-end as the dedicated phonostages mentioned, but the C1100 is no slouch either.
I’d consider dropping in a pair of original Tekefunkens or Mullards to see if it gives you what you’re looking for. It could be a really cheap upgrade path for you. Last edited by Cohibaman; 01-15-2019 at 05:13 PM. |
#10
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Quote:
Thank you!
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Preamp: Mcintosh C1100 DAC: Auralic Vega G2 Streamer: Auralic Aries G2 Surround Processor: Mcintosh MX122 CD/DVD: Oppo 205 Amps: Mcintosh MC601, Mcintosh MC8207 (surround) Power: PS Audio P15 Turntable: VPI Scout + Cadenza Bronze + VPI ADS Phonostage: Zesto Deluxe Tuner: Mcintosh MR88 Main speakers: Focal Scala V2 Center Speaker: Focal Sopra CC Surrounds: Klipsch RP250S Power Cables: Audioquest Hurricane Interconnect Cables: Cardas Clear/Cygnus Speaker Cables: Audioquest Thunderbird Subwoofer: JL Audio F113V2 |
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