I have accumulated four phono stages so far with a fifth on the way soon. They're so easy to hide from the missus, compared with speakers, amps, turntables, etc.
Best bang for buck I’ve ever heard was the TRON Convergence Signature phono stage made by TRON Audio. Hands down wiped the floor with the Rega Aria and other similar stages. It’s a high quality ultra low noise valve stage with brilliant dynamics and presence and I wonder why its not better pushed, especially at it’s reasonable price point? It seems only the big guys get the advertising and I do consider that to be a real issue with the uk hifi industry when there are some superlative products from smaller uk manufacturers like TRON. Phonostages are one area thankfully where there is a lot of choice but you can also pay a lot for one which is no better than many entry level models in sound quality. Best thing as always is see if you can get a home audition as this is especially important when matching phonostages to TT’s and amps.
Hi, In recent years I’ve gotten back into vinyl in my retirement as I’m now listening more critically. I’ve modified a Goldring Lenco GL 75 with Syrinx arm and re-tipped my Nakamichi MC1000 reference cartridge with a new shibata tip. The phono stage I am using is the internal phono stage of my Vacuumstate FVP5A preamplifier that is 40years old and now upgraded to the latest spec. This was considered to be one of the world’s finest phono stages some years back and it sounds fantastic. However because of my cartridges very low output I’ve had to install a step-up transformer in between the turntable and preamplifier which is a Audio-Technica AT-630 transformer. I’ve had this for almost as long as the preamp and would like to upgrade this rather than adding resistors across the inputs. What step up transformer would you recommend as you didn’t mention this possible issue when using Moving coil cartridges in video? Ps I enjoy your videos hear in Sydney Australia. Condolences for the loss of the queen. I grew up singing “God save the queen” at school assemblies and before the movies started in cinemas.
Hi Phil - interesting and very helpful information - question for you or others perhaps - Does the inboard phono stage in a Sugden A21 - tech spec 3.0mV MM 0.2mV MC work well enough - and will a moderate cartridge upgrade - say Ortofon blue work fine on the Sugden - or can it be improved by adding an external phono preamp -- Thanks and regards, Paul
Hiya Phil…found your videos recently as I embark upon building my own home system. Started moderately and already got the bug! I’ve got an ATlp120x turntable connected to a marantz mcr612 amp/streamer. And playing those thru some b&w 607 s3 speakers. Wondering if I would benefit from one a photo stage? No idea where to even start!
Hi Phil,, running a rega p6 with Ania plus a project RPM1 with Ortofon 2m Bronze. 2 phono stages are rega mc & mm...both sound fab,,but always in the back of my mind is how much better would the sound through Rega Aria.... Amp audiolab 600a / KEF ls50 meta...???
I use the built-in mm/mc phono stage in my Linn Selekt DSM, which is very good (both in terms of sound quality and configurability). Like a lot of modern all-in-one streamer amps, the Linn digitises all analogue inputs, so I doubt i'd hear any benefit from a superior external phono stage anyway!?
Adding to the confusion is record players with inbuilt phono stages (with sometimes not so clear instructions how to turn it off) - so people then end up daisy chaining a phono stage to another phono stage in their amp etc.
Don't call it a phono pre-amp because that is the stage that brings the MC signal up to MM level (about a 10X amplification). So, phono stage or RIAA stage is what I use. I am using the phono stage in my Luxman L210.
Hi. I am new to the game and found your video. It is a jungle. There are phono stages from 50 up and beyond 10000 pounds and also integrated amplifiers with built in phono also in all sorts of price brackets. I am guessing it is a better phono part built into a highend amplifier like a Rotel Michi or other something like that than the cheaper Project phono stages. But how do you tell how good a built in phono stage really is?
You have to just listen and trust your ear... and you won't be able to tell a difference until you buy a 2nd or 3rd Phono Stage so you can actually compare the sound. So it gets expensive! Crank your volume gain to 10 on your phono stage channel on amp, does it produce a lot of noise or hum/buzz?
@@JahaJaho Darlington Lab MP-6 or MP-7 are amazing. MP-7 is one of the best phono preamps under $1000. If want something cheaper that reviews really well get a Schiit Mani 2or look into finding a iFi iPhono2 used. Best cheapo is probably Mani2. I've done the research, happy to share.
@@JahaJaho I personally own a Darlington Labs MP-7, I love it. If I was to buy something cheaper it would be the Schiit Mani2. If I wanted to buy something a little better than the MP-7 that is expensive it would be a QuickSilver Phono Preamp.
@@retrogameruk Could be, however is he the sort of artist that would be on a T-Shirt? My guess was with Donovan possibly, but I can't be certain. I may actually email him to sort this once and for all.
Aurorasound Vida Prima - No need to spend silly money, this phono stage is an out and out bargain, check reviews but importantly the owner - customer reviews, you wont find a bad word. Use mine with a Ortofon Cadenza Black, re-tipped with a Fritz Gyger S stylus profile (same as the Replicant found on Ortofons best moving coil carts), and sound is superb. Looks gorgeous in my view, oozes quality with great performance - a last stage for most without the unnecessary daft spend - a billy bargain IMO/IME - A class act, highly recommended.
I have accumulated four phono stages so far with a fifth on the way soon.
They're so easy to hide from the missus, compared with speakers, amps, turntables, etc.
But, why? Just asking for someone.
@@apollomemories7399 The next one is ALWAYS better, of course!
@@AnalogueInTheUK Naturally.
Absolutely worth the investment.
Power supply is also very important - hence why a decent integrated with phono can already be very good.
Best bang for buck I’ve ever heard was the TRON Convergence Signature phono stage made by TRON Audio. Hands down wiped the floor with the Rega Aria and other similar stages. It’s a high quality ultra low noise valve stage with brilliant dynamics and presence and I wonder why its not better pushed, especially at it’s reasonable price point? It seems only the big guys get the advertising and I do consider that to be a real issue with the uk hifi industry when there are some superlative products from smaller uk manufacturers like TRON. Phonostages are one area thankfully where there is a lot of choice but you can also pay a lot for one which is no better than many entry level models in sound quality. Best thing as always is see if you can get a home audition as this is especially important when matching phonostages to TT’s and amps.
Hi, In recent years I’ve gotten back into vinyl in my retirement as I’m now listening more critically. I’ve modified a Goldring Lenco GL 75 with Syrinx arm and re-tipped my Nakamichi MC1000 reference cartridge with a new shibata tip. The phono stage I am using is the internal phono stage of my Vacuumstate FVP5A preamplifier that is 40years old and now upgraded to the latest spec. This was considered to be one of the world’s finest phono stages some years back and it sounds fantastic. However because of my cartridges very low output I’ve had to install a step-up transformer in between the turntable and preamplifier which is a Audio-Technica AT-630 transformer. I’ve had this for almost as long as the preamp and would like to upgrade this rather than adding resistors across the inputs. What step up transformer would you recommend as you didn’t mention this possible issue when using Moving coil cartridges in video? Ps I enjoy your videos hear in Sydney Australia. Condolences for the loss of the queen. I grew up singing “God save the queen” at school assemblies and before the movies started in cinemas.
Hi Phil - interesting and very helpful information - question for you or others perhaps - Does the inboard phono stage in a Sugden A21 - tech spec 3.0mV MM 0.2mV MC work well enough - and will a moderate cartridge upgrade - say Ortofon blue work fine on the Sugden - or can it be improved by adding an external phono preamp -- Thanks and regards, Paul
Hiya Phil…found your videos recently as I embark upon building my own home system. Started moderately and already got the bug! I’ve got an ATlp120x turntable connected to a marantz mcr612 amp/streamer. And playing those thru some b&w 607 s3 speakers. Wondering if I would benefit from one a photo stage? No idea where to even start!
Hi Phil,, running a rega p6 with Ania plus a project RPM1 with Ortofon 2m Bronze. 2 phono stages are rega mc & mm...both sound fab,,but always in the back of my mind is how much better would the sound through Rega Aria....
Amp audiolab 600a / KEF ls50 meta...???
Can u please do comparison on the different phono stages in terms of sound quality at different price points....Thanks
The stylus and cartridge are just as important as the phone stage. Spend as much as you can’t afford on both.😊
I still have my first phono stage, 30 years old and going strong. Made by the defunct Audio Innovations. Anyone remember them?
Yes, I had one of their integrated valve amps in the late 80s!
I use the built-in mm/mc phono stage in my Linn Selekt DSM, which is very good (both in terms of sound quality and configurability). Like a lot of modern all-in-one streamer amps, the Linn digitises all analogue inputs, so I doubt i'd hear any benefit from a superior external phono stage anyway!?
Luck old you!
Adding to the confusion is record players with inbuilt phono stages (with sometimes not so clear instructions how to turn it off) - so people then end up daisy chaining a phono stage to another phono stage in their amp etc.
Have rega fonn mk5 use Naim Nait 5s amplifier
Don't call it a phono pre-amp because that is the stage that brings the MC signal up to MM level (about a 10X amplification).
So, phono stage or RIAA stage is what I use. I am using the phono stage in my Luxman L210.
Hi. I am new to the game and found your video. It is a jungle. There are phono stages from 50 up and beyond 10000 pounds and also integrated amplifiers with built in phono also in all sorts of price brackets. I am guessing it is a better phono part built into a highend amplifier like a Rotel Michi or other something like that than the cheaper Project phono stages. But how do you tell how good a built in phono stage really is?
You have to just listen and trust your ear... and you won't be able to tell a difference until you buy a 2nd or 3rd Phono Stage so you can actually compare the sound. So it gets expensive! Crank your volume gain to 10 on your phono stage channel on amp, does it produce a lot of noise or hum/buzz?
@@ConnahJay Well, that is not much use trying to decide what preamps that are worth testing. Have to know where to start.
@@JahaJaho Darlington Lab MP-6 or MP-7 are amazing. MP-7 is one of the best phono preamps under $1000. If want something cheaper that reviews really well get a Schiit Mani 2or look into finding a iFi iPhono2 used. Best cheapo is probably Mani2. I've done the research, happy to share.
@@JahaJaho I personally own a Darlington Labs MP-7, I love it. If I was to buy something cheaper it would be the Schiit Mani2. If I wanted to buy something a little better than the MP-7 that is expensive it would be a QuickSilver Phono Preamp.
@@ConnahJay But if you would buy an amplifier with built in phonostage, what would you pick in that case? Rotel Michi, Technics SU, Yamaha AS ?
Deviating away from the topic. Who is it on Phil's T-Shirt? I'm racking my brains here!
It looks like 1970's singer songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan.
Jim Morrison from The Doors? Not a great image print though.
@@paulhyatt8450 Whilst I can't totally deny, I'm really not sure it's Jim.
@@retrogameruk Could be, however is he the sort of artist that would be on a T-Shirt? My guess was with Donovan possibly, but I can't be certain. I may actually email him to sort this once and for all.
Me!
Aurorasound Vida Prima - No need to spend silly money, this phono stage is an out and out bargain, check reviews but importantly the owner - customer reviews, you wont find a bad word. Use mine with a Ortofon Cadenza Black, re-tipped with a Fritz Gyger S stylus profile (same as the Replicant found on Ortofons best moving coil carts), and sound is superb. Looks gorgeous in my view, oozes quality with great performance - a last stage for most without the unnecessary daft spend - a billy bargain IMO/IME - A class act, highly recommended.