Phono Stages Under 10Kish

[Formerly YB-2]

That's a lot of $$ to spend on a phono preamp for a $1250 cartridge. I usually go for a 1-to-1 ratio up to a 1-to-2 ratio. Would think the Sutherland DUO at $4K would be a great match. And, if into tubes, the Cary PH-302 is an excellent phono preamp with a built-in SUT that I really enjoy listening to. If were my $10K I would get something like the Lyra Kleos cartridge ($3700) and spend the balance on a phono preamp like the Cary and an ultra-sonic record cleaning machine. For vinyl listening, nothing beats a clean LP.

[Msegal]

I really enjoy my Aesthetix Rhea Eclipse amplifying a Koetsu Jade Platinum. Prior I had a Benz SLR which also worked well.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

My vote goes to the Esoteric E02



http://www.esoteric-usa.com/Products/amps/E-02.php

Retail $9500

Ivan
What other differences are there between the E-02 and E-03 other than balanced outputs on the first?

[Puma Cat]

Then there's always the EAR 324 for about $6K.

[robd2]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

That's a lot of $$ to spend on a phono preamp for a $1250 cartridge. I usually go for a 1-to-1 ratio up to a 1-to-2 ratio. Would think the Sutherland DUO at $4K would be a great match. And, if into tubes, the Cary PH-302 is an excellent phono preamp with a built-in SUT that I really enjoy listening to. If were my $10K I would get something like the Lyra Kleos cartridge ($3700) and spend the balance on a phono preamp like the Cary and an ultra-sonic record cleaning machine. For vinyl listening, nothing beats a clean LP.

Smart man

[Mikado463]

for under 3k you can pick up one fine Parasound piece (praised by most everyone) and allocate the remains $$ towards some of Glenn's good suggestions !

http://www.parasound.com/jc3+.php

[Catcher10]

The Parasound is excellent with dual mono output and upgraded PSU. It will bring out the best in the Blackbird but will leave you craving more.
If you upgrade to a Lyra MC you will need a phono stage with variable loading, depending on your phono cable capacitance you will need between 150-600ohms loading, variable. Meaning not step up like 100, 250, 550, 600, 1k....so on. Carts in that quality range need fine tuning ability from the phono stage.

The EAT line of tables is really interesting.....

[vegaracer1]

Aesthetics lo is quite good.
It is a large Phono stage and requires room to breathe.

[robd2]

Originally Posted by Catcher10

If you upgrade to a Lyra MC you will need a phono stage with variable loading, depending on your phono cable capacitance you will need between 150-600ohms loading, variable. Meaning not step up like 100, 250, 550, 600, 1k....so on. Carts in that quality range need fine tuning ability from the phono stage.

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

[robd2]

Originally Posted by ehoove

You are out off my price range, but interested in your opinion of the LP Blackbird. I have used the HO version, but the newer LO version interests me a bit.
Regards,
Jim

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.