Phono Stages Under 10Kish

[crwilli]

The Esoteric unit is drop dead gorgeous.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by robd2

Good info, any recommendations on a cable and phono to go with the Lyra Kleos?

With my Kleos am using the Wire World Silver-7 cables (TT to phono preamp & phono preamp to line stage) and the Cary PH-302 preamp and find it to be a great match. The SUTs (Lundahl) that Cary uses in the PH-302 are a great match to the Kleos.

[PMCH]

I use a Audia Flight phono pre with AZ Absolute Copper cables and am very happy with how they sound with my Kleos cart.

[robd2]

Originally Posted by robd2

Hey Jim, I cant compare the HO vs LO as I never heard the HO. But the LO Blackbird is very capeable in my system. Seeme to be extreamly sensitive to tracking force also. Might also be a little edgy at times.

I got it as part of the Pro-Ject Xtension 10 super pack so only paid about 500$ for it.

Jim one more comment about the Blackbird cart, sometimes I suspect it's tracking ability. Listening to a Brubeck 45 right now and hear a few tracking problems. Could also be my alignment.

[Catcher10]

Originally Posted by robd2

Good info, any recommendations on a cable and phono to go with the Lyra Kleos?

Regarding phono cables, Lyra's like a low capacitance cable, anything under 100pF on a 1m cable will match well. I use an AQ Cougar cable with the DBS, AQ phono cables are about 40pF per meter.
Also they are very well shielded which is another spec to be very aware of with phono cables.

Phono stages I am partial to the Musical Surroundings Nova II, I really like Michael Yee's designs and that the Nova II is battery powered so it's off the grid, providing a very black background. Still works very well when charging too.....

This thread has given you some excellent suggestions.

Have fun!!

[vintage_tube]

Myself I'd like to suggest to the OP the MP1100 ($8K) or the MP100 ($2K) gets outstanding reviews as well.

Having a dual mono design with the left and right audio channels electrically and mechanically isolated from each other while the power supplies are electronically separated. Jeff Dorgay (ToneAudio) review states "the MP1100 is quiet. Perhaps one of the quietest all tube phonostages we’ve heard."



Best Sirs,

Bob

[robd2]

Anybody hear the Sutherland MCX phono? Seems very interesting but literally nothing written about it.

[Ritmo]

One more to consider, Zesto Andros 1.2 for $4,700. Very musical, flexible and beautifully designed.

[briweed]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

One more to consider, Zesto Andros 1.2 for $4,700. Very musical, flexible and beautifully designed.

+1 on the Andros Zesto 1.2. You can find used ones for around $3k. For the money, they are really hard to beat.

B

[restock]

My vote goes to the Accuphase C37:


And the Tom Evans Groove+ SRX II:


Preference in my Accuphase setup goes to the C37, but the TE plays at a similar level.

Past phono stages:
Pass Xono, Vacuum State JLTI, Wright Sound, Shindo Giscours.

Current phono stages:
C37, Tom Evans Groove+ SRX II, Cyrus Phono Signature, Leben RS-30EQ

Other listened to extensively:
Audia Flight, Aesthetix Rhea, Audio Research