Best phonostage under $5000 msrp?

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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I want to add a phonostage for my VPI turntable and Avantgarde Zero XD's. Budget is around $5000 msrp. What do you guys recommend?

I have a few thoughts....

Sutherland (Ron has to be the nicest guy you could ever meet) and he builds a great, reasonably priced phonostage (the 20/20)
Zesto 1.2 (I had the 1.0 and it was great, plus I really like George and Carolyn)
Manley Chinook (again, great company and Evanna is terrific)
Parasound JC3+ (another great design from John Curl)
Pass XP15
....any others?
 
I'm using Sutherland duo and Devialet phono on other system at the moment, the duo sweeter than D, but not as dark as D, i like both [emoji16]


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Thanks guys!! Great suggestions.


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ctop said:
Aesthetix Rhea...excellent sound and flexibility at this price point
Click to expand...

I've always loved Aesthetix and felt they got an undeserved bad rap a few years ago for one batch of noisy/bad tubes.


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Mike, I almost hate to throw this out based on your budget, but try the iFi iPhono free for 60 days. They have an upgraded power supply, and it really is a superb phono stage in the $400 range. I have one and use it when I have a cartridge that does not match any SUT I own. It's dead quiet and quite a piece at any price. A no bullshit phono stage.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-161016-ifi-micro-iphono-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx
 
Loop4fun said:
Mike, I almost hate to throw this out based on your budget, but try the iFi iPhono free for 60 days. They not have an upgraded power supply, and it really is a superb phono stage in the $400 range. I have one and use it when I have a cartridge that does not match any SUT I own. It's dead quiet and quite a piece at any price. A no bullshit phono stage.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-161016-ifi-micro-iphono-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx
Click to expand...

Yes, the iFi products are fantastic, I should sell that stuff. It's so good for the money.
 
Mike,

We evaluated a few, and we're probably going with the Sutherland. That top of the line model looks sweet :)

But I also do like the iFi Phono product. It'll beat just about anything under $2000.
 
I'd check out the Balanced Audio Technology VK-P6. I've had my BAT VK-P5 for nine years and it it has been trouble free, while sounding incredible. I use a K&K step up transformer for low output cartridges. The new P6 is improved and is cheaper to boot!

http://balanced.com/p-vk-p6
 
slowgeezr said:
I'd check out the Balanced Audio Technology VK-P6. I've had my BAT VK-P5 for nine years and it it has been trouble free, while sounding incredible. I use a K&K step up transformer for low output cartridges. The new P6 is improved and is cheaper to boot!

http://balanced.com/p-vk-p6
Click to expand...

Thanks. Bruce and I were talking about this one yesterday. Looks good!!
 
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