Looking for Phono stage advice

AnotherCouture · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:44 pm Post subject: Looking for Phono stage advice

Hi,

Having been a lurker for a while now, I get the impression theres a helpful set of chaps out there.

So I was wondering if some of you could help me out.

I've just upgraded my TT after many years with a systemdek 900i, to a brand spanking new and extremely funky Funk Vector mkii, this was preceded by a somewhat rash purchase of a fully OL upgraded RB250 from ebay.

Both of these purchases I'm extremely happy with and have been a major revelation.

I've just purchased a Goldring 1012GX which I plan to install along side a new phone stage.

The area I feel I'm lacking though is with my Musicial Fidelity X-LP phono stage, its done me well these last years but I think its just not cutting the mustard any more and holding back the potential of my new setup.

What I wanted to know is your views on which phone stage's I should be trying to audition, I've read some good things about the Gram Amp2 SE and also the ANT Kora 3 (Standard), which I had a listen to at the National Audio Show and liked a lot on their demo kit.

Please let rip with your thoughts and opinions the more opinionated the better really.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give,

Steve

AudioSoul · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:45 pm Post subject:

WOW! There are so many to choose from. What is your other equipment, music styles ect.?. I personaly like the Jolida JD9 tube buffered preamp. It is very versetal and would last for many upgrades of your other equipment. Kinda the reason why we need to know your other equipment. Who knows maybe your equipent may surpass the Jolida already........ Cool

AnotherCouture · Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the response,

My taste ranges wildly mainly dub, Krautrock, and electronica at the moment but plently of Rock and Jazz gets a look in. Tonights choices have been the utterly wonderful Foundation in Dub and the not so interesting (you can probably tell I rediscovering my vinyl).

As for the rest of my kit I have a Musical Fidelity X-A1 integrated amp and B&W 620 speakers connections are via Sonic Link Pinks and QED speak cables (not sure which cost about £5 per metre about 10 years ago).

I plan to upgrade the X-A1 sometime next year I liked the ROKSAN Kandy K2 which I recently had a demo off. I do love my B&W's but they're in need on a little TLC after my 3 year old decided to press the "shiny bits" and somewhat deformed the tweeters, a sad sad day Shocked

.

I've had a look for the JD9 you mentioned but it doesn't seem to be available in the UK, which is a shame as it seems like it could be worth a listen.

Steve