C52 Phono - which Phono Stage to seriously beat the integrated section?

[bruno2009]

So - here`s a question to all vinyl lovers. I am still totally flashed by the quality the C52 brings - especially the integrated Phono Stage is ridiculous!

As stated before, I had the Whest Three Sig., which went on sale as I did not think that it was clearly superior to the integrated section. Now I have not done any direct testing on Phono Stages with the C52, but I did my share of testing before I went for the Whest Three and I found it hard to beat for the price (I think it retails at about 3.4k) - which speaks for the quality the C52 delivers.

So here`s a question - which Phono Stages have you found that actually make a clear step up from the C52?

Looking forward to your suggestions!

[goheelz]

Can't provide a perfect comparison, but I'd been using the MC tube phono stage in my C2300 for a long time, and it was quite good and improved a bit with Gold Lion tubes. But upgrading to the ModWright PH-150 Reference Phono (tube) brought things to a much higher level. Highly recommended.

[jfray]

I have absolutely no desire to change from my C52..... the phono stage is great. Maybe the C1100 will be a step up...... what record player do you have?

[bruno2009]

I spin vinyl with the Avid Diva II SP with SME arm end EMT System... tendency is also to stay with the integrated... just being curious about other peoples experience and opinions (after all - that`s why we`re all here on this board ;-) ).

Thanx for your input @goheelz - maybe I`ll give it a try.

[scirica]

I'm trusting the MM input stage on my C2500, but fronting that with an Ortofon ST-80 SE step-up. Everything is just breaking in (A95 cart as well) but the initial results are impressive.

[PMCH]

I have a C1100 with its phono stage but I still prefer my old dedicated Audia Flight phono stage, especially when I A & B them next to each other.

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by PMCH

I have a C1100 with its phono stage but I still prefer my old dedicated Audia Flight phono stage, especially when I A & B them next to each other.

The Audia Flight Phono is an exceptionally fine performer and my phono stage of choice. Has plenty of gain for even the lowest output cartridges without the use of step up transformers, and the sound is very dynamic and refined.

[advanced101]

When I had my C2500 the Esoteric E-03 was a huge step up.

[miner]

For my C2300 I went with a Manley Chinook SE. Sounds great (after kinks worked out) but I do miss the remote control function with phono stage. $2K but not sure it was a well-spent $2K an upgrade, although minor.

[bruno2009]

Well - thanx again for sharing your experience. Now that puts some options on the screen. All sound like promising choices/alternatives.

How big would you consider the difference to the integrated - as again, I really think that it sets the bar pretty high.