Tube Phono Stage

[Ossie]

Hello, I am after recommendations for a tube phono Stage MM & MC under 10k, I have done a lot of research already, I keep coming up with the usual suspects, I am sure I have only scratched the surface.

 

[DasguteOhr]

Innovative Audio Reference Phono symmetrisch mit Silvercore Pro Reinsilber (8236485909) | Phonoverstärker | Angebot auf audio-markt.de

Angeboten wird „Reference Phono symmetrisch mit Silvercore Pro Reinsilber“ von Innovative Audio aus der Kategorie „Phonoverstärker“ bei audio-markt.de - dem Online-Marktplatz für High-End. Das Inserat mit der Nummer 8236485909 endet am 23.05.2025 um 06:40 Uhr.

www.audio-markt.de

Reinhard Hoffmann as User"Reinhard is here write him, he made custommade devices if you want.

 

[Ossie]

Innovative Audio Reference Phono symmetrisch mit Silvercore Pro Reinsilber (8236485909) | Phonoverstärker | Angebot auf audio-markt.de

Angeboten wird „Reference Phono symmetrisch mit Silvercore Pro Reinsilber“ von Innovative Audio aus der Kategorie „Phonoverstärker“ bei audio-markt.de - dem Online-Marktplatz für High-End. Das Inserat mit der Nummer 8236485909 endet am 23.05.2025 um 06:40 Uhr.

www.audio-markt.de

Reinhard Hoffmann as User"Reinhard is here write him, he made custommade devices if you want.
View attachment 146671

This looks really interesting, thank you for the insight.

 

[theflattire]

I would look at Allnic or Zesto.

 

[Holmz]

Hello, I am after recommendations for a tube phono Stage MM & MC under 10k, I have done a lot of research already, I keep coming up with the usual suspects, I am sure I have only scratched the surface.

What the usual suspects are on your list?

 

[tima]

Lamm Industries LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Preamplifier - Positive Feedback

Lamm Industries LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Preamplifier

positive-feedback.com

Less than $10k used.

 

[microstrip]

Hello, I am after recommendations for a tube phono Stage MM & MC under 10k, I have done a lot of research already, I keep coming up with the usual suspects, I am sure I have only scratched the surface.

Unless you tell us more about your system and preferences you will not get useful advice - you will just learn about people favorites.

When buying tube equipment aspects such as service and warranties are mandatory. Are you buying new or used?

 

[Paul1960]

I love my Allnic H3000 but didn't compare it to phono stages at the same level. My only concern would be the availability of Mullard E810F tubes that most of the older Allnics use but there are plenty of non-Mullard E810Fs available but no idea how that effects the sonics. I was a little skeptical about the fact that Allnic uses SUTs for MC cartridges but the H3000 sounds fantastic. For me the improvement in soundstage and detail was the most noticeable feature and the fact that the H3000 is dead quiet.

 

[ketcham]

Amperex 7788 is a fantastic tube.

 

[Bruce B]

I'd also try to find a used Doshi.... Loving mine!

 

[Ossie]

What the usual suspects are on your list?

Hagerman, but that only supports MC
Tavish Design
EAR
Icon Audio
I guess I am hoping somebody will sugest something I have not seen

 

[PierreB]

Have you look the Modwright products??

 

[displayname]

At that price point I'd want to demo Manley, Modwright and Zesto.

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

Aesthetix Rhea eclipse would be my recommendation. Buy preowned as an eclipse, a signature, or base model (then update to eclipse) based on availability and pricing. It comes with a full remote control, has selection for up to three cartridge inputs, load and gain is adjustable on the fly, and just about every input/output is supported by RCA/XLR connections. I found one now for about two decades and find it irreplaceable in music reproduction and versatility. I also can’t say enough good about Jim White and Glenn Buckley. They offer great support and guidance.

 

[No Regrets]

Another suggestion for your consideration would be the Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Reference Level 5.1. When I bought mine a couple of years back, the price new was $10,000. I'm not sure what it may be priced now.

It is an all tube design currently using (2 x 12AX7, 4 x 6DJ8); with extremely low noise ( I believe with the external power supply, noise is below 1uV (one-millionth of a volt ) competing with the best of the solid state phonos; providing 3 front panel selectable inputs providing 62 dB of gain (without the use of SUT’s or FETS) with a useful cartridge range of 0.2mV to 1.2mV. Having both Balanced and RCA inputs and outputs; adjustable loading available on the back panel via custom loading plugs; and an essentially flat RIAA EQ curve within one tenth of a dB (.1dB) from 3 Hz to 40 Khz.
Naturally, with any tubed phono high gain phono stage you will want to use selected low noise tubes, but I can say when using my NOS Mullards in this phono stage, it is dead quiet with my ears up against the speakers with my Dunlavy Signature SCIV's 91 dB sensitivity. I love not having to use a step up transformer with this phono stage; not having to worry about the SUT coloring the audio signal, worrying about possible hum issues, and having to use extra interconnects and connections, etc.

The Wavestream Kinetics gives me the pure, high gain, low noise sound that I love. It is incredibly dynamic in both the micro and macro sense, has the "meat on the bones" which I crave, brings the human voice to life, showcases the resonance of the body of cellos and acoustic bass, has the finesse for brushes on cymbals, etc. It truly is an incredible phono stage built by Scott Frankland, a genius when it comes to engineering and designing audio circuits and a true gentleman in every sense of the word who offers incredible customer service and support, which is the icing on the cake! I can't speak highly enough of both him and his products. This phonostage, imho, is an endgame piece!

I will try and attach some photos of it below...
It comes shipped very securely and a very heavy duty wooden crate


The outboard power supply came in a doubled cardboard box.


This phonostage is a behemoth. Very wide and extremely deep. You will need a large, sturdy shelf with lots of depth to be able to place this unit.


Best wishes to you all,
Don

 

[Ossie]

Thank you everyone for your input and knowledge, I am currently looking at the Audiovalve Sunilda, not a lot out there on it, if anyone knows anything.....