Phono Stage Recommendation?

[coolguyalex]

Hi everyone. First post here on this tremendous forum

Looking for a phono stage to add to my set up. Currently I'm using the inbuilt phono from my rather average Kenwood Basic C1 pre-amplifier (don't worry, this is getting upgraded soon). My budget is $500. So far, the following look promising:

Lehmann Black Cube (second hand)
Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE (people on the vinylengine don't seem to think much of GS..)
Trichord Dino
Leema Elements
Jasmine LP2.0 (leaning towards this)
Trigon Vanguard II
Project Phono Box SE II (or this)
Dynavector P75
Cambridge Audio 640P

If anyone has experience with any of these models I would greatly appreciate your input (ha!). Also, if you have any other recommendations for the price, I'm all ears (haha!).

I suppose I should also mention I'm using a Pro-Ject Debut SE III TT with a Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and a Quad 405-2 powering Quad 12L speakers.

Thanks!

Alex.

[Tedrick]

The only one on your list that I have any experience with is the Dynavector P75, but I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I've used mine with Dynavector and Lyra cartridges. The P-75 is flexible, very quiet, and sounds great.

[Trackside]

Add the Musical Fidelity V-LPS to your list.

[coolguyalex]

I'm supposed to be subtracting from not adding to the list! But thanks anyway

Another option I've considered is getting something like the Quad QC24P or Icon Audio PS1 which costs a bit more but can be plugged directly to the power amp (I'm thinking this is overkill, at least for the moment). Anyone have any experience doing this?

[raphaelmabo]

I've heard good comments about the Lehmann, but I haven't heard it myself.
I'm using a Thorens MM01 which is nice.

[Keso77]

I've owned (still own one) three of them on your list so I will go ahead and rank them according to my experience.

1. Black cube
2. 640P
3. Phonobox ll SE.

None of them are bad and that is my personal subjective preference.
I still have my black cube as backup to my GCPH, using it on my can setup.

[Keso77]

Add the Musical Fidelity V-LPS to your list.

Also...
+1 on this.

[coolguyalex]

Okay, so far this is what has been recommended:

Dynavector P75
Musical Fidelity V-LPS
Lehmann Black Cube

The Thorens is a nice basic unit but I would like something that can handle MC as well.

Still looking for help on this!

[pivot]

What of the listed phono stages have you heard?

I did compare a Gram Slee with the Cambridge and found I like the Slee better. The Slee seemed smoother to me with the Grado I was using at the time. With a different cartridge or music taste that may have been reversed.

I really liked the Bottlehead Seduction I had around for a while. Bottom line however is how it sounds to you and does it work with your cartridge or the cartridge you may switch to?

You don't have any obvious duds on your list.

[tomytoons]

Very hard to really recommend something. It comes down to personal taste and requirements needed now for the cartridge being used as well as some future needs and being synergistic with existing equipment. lots of variables there.

I like Pres that have both MC and MM capabilities along with all the adjustments. I also like SS for quiet presentation. I very much like the Nova Phonomena, Jasmine LP2.0MKII, I have had last. Nice piece for $500. I have had the Black Cube SE quite some time ago and I think compared to all the others I have had, it is a bit cold and sterile from there I went on to an EE Mini Max Phono. Again, it all depends on your other equipment. All that you mention have good reputations.

Currently using a killer Monolithic Sound PS1 and HC1b PS, boards stamped 1999 and it is excellent, currently the best I have had here. Go figure, $350 used if you can find one.
Since you are in Aus? That would be out.

[Dimal]

G'day Alex...

I would also add this unit to your list, and highly recommend same. Punches way above its weight in terms of price, hand built and uses top quality components.

Highly configurable also and produces a superb neutral and detailed sound with all the cartridges at my disposal. Worth a look anyway....

Mal.

[jackfish]

If you can stretch your budget another $100 the Musical Surroundings Phonomena II is outstanding. Otherwise for $500 and under I'd also look at the Clearaudio Nano.

[Josey Wales]

Add the Musical Fidelity V-LPS to your list.

And another one for the MF. Especially together with the V-PSU.

[coolguyalex]

What of the listed phono stages have you heard?

I did compare a Gram Slee with the Cambridge and found I like the Slee better. The Slee seemed smoother to me with the Grado I was using at the time. With a different cartridge or music taste that may have been reversed.

I really liked the Bottlehead Seduction I had around for a while. Bottom line however is how it sounds to you and does it work with your cartridge or the cartridge you may switch to?

You don't have any obvious duds on your list.

From the list, I have only heard the Cambridge. It sounded okay but for the same price (or a little more) it seems possible to get something a lot better. Of course the main issue is I can't really hear many of these in person, so I am relying on the experience of others...

So many to choose from! I like the idea of a separate power supply (like the Jasmine and the Valab, or even the GS and Musical Fidelity). I also like the flexibility of the Phonomena II. I'm not ready to try tubes yet. Does this help narrow it down??