Pass Labs XS Phono vs. ARC Ref Phono 10 vs. Allnic H-10000 OTL/OCL

[Foxtrot]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my phono stage and would love some insights. Currently, I have a Conrad-Johnson TEA1 S3, but I feel there is room for improvement. I am considering three options:
Pass Labs XS Phono (solid-state)
Audio Research Reference Phono 10 (



tubes)
Allnic Audio H-10000 OTL/OCL (tubes, transformerless design)

My system consists of a Kuzma XL DC turntable with a 4Point tonearm, Pass Labs XP-32 preamp, and Pass Labs XS 300 monoblocks driving Dynaudio Evidence Platinum speakers. I know the XS Phono would provide excellent synergy with my system, while the other two might bring more sweetness and dimensionality with tubes.

I absolutely love my Horizon DAC + Taiko Extreme combo, but I feel I have not fully unlocked the potential of my analog setup. I would appreciate any thoughts on which phono stage would provide the best balance of musicality, resolution, and synergy.
Thanks in advance.

 

[TLi]

Phonostage matches with cartridge more than anything else. What cartridges are you using?

If you don't have a big collection of highend MC cartridges, DS Audio optical cartridges and their phonostages are good value for money.

 

[Foxtrot]

Phonostage matches with cartridge more than anything else. What cartridges are you using?

If you don't have a big collection of highend MC cartridges, DS Audio optical cartridges and their phonostages are good value for money.

At the moment, I’m using a Clearaudio Da Vinci with the Kuzma 4Point arm, and I have a Lyra Atlas Lambda (0.56mV) on the way. I’m also expecting a Koetsu Blue Lace, which will be paired with the Ikeda IT-407 CR1 arm.

 

[zermatt]

I had a CJ TEA1 replaced it with a CJ ART. Its much better (as it should be) then the T1. The PS is dual mono and each tube has a dedicated PS section. The sound is move alive. Do waste $$ on the internal X formers. I use a Yplison for Cart lower then .28mv.

 

[Foxtrot]

I had a CJ TEA1 replaced it with a CJ ART. Its much better (as it should be) then the T1. The PS is dual mono and each tube has a dedicated PS section. The sound is move alive. Do waste $$ on the internal X formers. I use a Yplison for Cart lower then .28mv.

Ypsilon has always been on my radar and a possibility. I did consider upgrading to the ART, but besides the pursuit of better sound, the lack of XLR outputs is also a factor. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[zermatt]

I would replace my ART phono with a Ypsilon phono stage. That would be my recommendation.

 

[Foxtrot]

I would replace my ART phono with a Ypsilon phono stage. That would be my recommendation.

Silver or standard edition?

 

[zermatt]

Ypsilon phono stage by it nature is very rich sounding design. Its fast dimensional and very musical. By its design it sound is closer to the mic, so its closer to the stage then your CJ phono. The silver version is quite enticing, cleaner and faster and harmonics are denser, but again your closer to the mic then the copper version. I would say if you want a more relaxed sound go with the copper. If $$$ are not an issue, go with the silver.

 

[microstrip]

My experience with the REF10 phono was with the ARC REF40 preamplfier.

The REF10 phono is a top unit, extremely versatile. IMO it is a good mix between a typical SS and tube sound - large sound stage, precise imaging and fantastic dynamics. It had balanced output and I preferred it in this mode with the REF40, although I also used it with success in SE with the GAT preampflier. Unfortunately the last price increase of ARC made it very expensive and the two boxes take a lot of space. But definitively a serious contender.

 

[bonzo75]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my phono stage and would love some insights. Currently, I have a Conrad-Johnson TEA1 S3, but I feel there is room for improvement. I am considering three options:
Pass Labs XS Phono (solid-state)
Audio Research Reference Phono 10 (



tubes)
Allnic Audio H-10000 OTL/OCL (tubes, transformerless design)

My system consists of a Kuzma XL DC turntable with a 4Point tonearm, Pass Labs XP-32 preamp, and Pass Labs XS 300 monoblocks driving Dynaudio Evidence Platinum speakers. I know the XS Phono would provide excellent synergy with my system, while the other two might bring more sweetness and dimensionality with tubes.

I absolutely love my Horizon DAC + Taiko Extreme combo, but I feel I have not fully unlocked the potential of my analog setup. I would appreciate any thoughts on which phono stage would provide the best balance of musicality, resolution, and synergy.
Thanks in advance.

There are many threads on the forums with note on all these units. Please do a search

 

[Foxtrot]

Ypsilon phono stage by it nature is very rich sounding design. Its fast dimensional and very musical. By its design it sound is closer to the mic, so its closer to the stage then your CJ phono. The silver version is quite enticing, cleaner and faster and harmonics are denser, but again your closer to the mic then the copper version. I would say if you want a more relaxed sound go with the copper. If $$$ are not an issue, go with the silver.

Hey Zermatt I appreciate your insights on the Ypsilon phono stage. The differences between the silver and copper versions are clear, and both have their own strengths. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Republicoftexas69]

There are many threads on the forums with note on all these units. Please do a seach.

Seach?

 

[jeromelang]

Are the dynaudio bi-wirable?

Do you use both output terminals on each of the xs300 monos?

 

[Foxtrot]

Are the dynaudio bi-wirable?

Do you use both output terminals on each of the xs300 monos?

The Dynaudio speakers are not bi-wirable. However, I am using both output terminals on each XS300 monoblock, one pair powers the Dynaudio speakers, while the other is connected to the REL No.32 subwoofer.