Best Phono Stage?

I'm currently using a Cambridge Audio A4 with integrated phono stage. I soon hope to be upgrading and have heard that an external phono stage can offer some benefits. Therefore, I'm wondering which would be the best. Nothing too expensive though...

Also open to any suggestions about good quality amps Amps

 

I've been struggling with this for the last month. Last weekend I bought the Music Hall mmf5.1 w/ Ortofon's 2 m Black cart, but the phono stage quest was the hardest decision.

For me it came down to Lehmann Cube, Graham Slee, Jasmine & ifi iPhono. I'm in an extremely remote area & had to go on reviews so I decided on the iPhono.

 

I ended up with Heed Questar and I'm very happy with it and so are many others. About the same price as a Rega Fono.

 

This guy is really good: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/v90-lps/

I ran one until I got my new integrated, which being a Rega has a really kick-ass phono pre that's even better than the MF. But the MF is very solid for the money (~$200ish)

 

I've got one of these from before the most recent update and I can't find any fault with it for the money. I'm using it with a Rega RP3 and Ortofon 2M Blue and it sounds great.

 

As you asked specifically about phonos, I went for the Graham Slee after listening to a few and am very happy with it.

- However -

As I recall, the Cambridge Phono board isn't that bad, and I'm not sure the phono is where you'll get most benefit. If I were you, I'd be looking at a better cart, with a better tip, to be giving you more detail off the records. That way, I reckon you'll have a better chance at telling the difference between phono amps a litle further down the road.

 

Project Phono Box RS or Tube Box DS

 

OP you need to state a maximum budget - not too expensive can be £1000 to some people.

 

I like my Creek OBH-8SE external phono stage.,,.it's quiet and clear, not noisy/muddy like some I use to own.

 

Creek make very good products. I have the CD player Evolution and it is excellent. Can see no reason why their Phono Stage wouldn't be good.

 

I have a Creek OBH-15 and I feel it is a great unit.

 

Obviously, you want something to play to the strength of your system.

The Vista Audio phono pre is getting updated cosmetics, but is popular. Jasmine, as mentioned has its fans. Also look at Lounge Audio for a LCR implementation.

I would look at what the cartridge needs, and be wary of too much gain.

 

I really liked my Graham Slee V - it wasn't, however, as good as my favorite tube units - but it did have awesome bass control/impact, and a great detailed midrange. I would, however, fault the treble with just a bit of artificial mechanical sound and missing some of that sparkle.

Another solid-state unit I liked - a now vintage piece - was the Threshold FET-10/PC - two gain settings and switching available for impedance and capacitance. Designed by Nelson Pass, it had a nice warm sound - one of the pieces I wish I had never sold.

 

I used a "Black Cube" for many years & was extremly please with it. When I recently deceided to upgrade, I went with a Manley Steelhead. A little on the expensive side, but to me it's the ultimate phono pre amp.

 

To a large extent getting the loading conditions matched between the phono stage and the cartridge is of vital importance. Many of the 'day and night' dfferences many people ascribe to different stagex are more to do with the loading conditions. I'd make absolutely sure any phono stage you buy allows adjustment of those parameters. The iFi Phono allows this I believe.

 

Which Phono Stage would you suggest to reduce surface noise. Some of my records have a number of snaps and pops that with my current setup appear quite loud and above the music.

 

Questar is great, and even better with outboard power supply option.

 

I have a Jasmine that I love. It was one of those components that bettered my system in a big way.

I was using the tubed phono section of my Juicy Music Blueberry Extreme preamp that I used to own.

 

I have read nice things about the Lounge (http://www.loungeaudio.com).

 

Really? Not one of these placebo-cost-a lot toys?

How would you describe the difference?

 

I agree with the poster above...you've just gotta state a maximum budget. There are many here who say that $15,000 will get you a barely listenable entry-level system.

 

Graham Slee Reflex M.... Could not be happier!

 

One thing that people never discuss regarding a phono stage . What interconnect to use between P/S to amp?

 

Not going to happen. Surface noise produced by TT and Cartridge and noisy records is going to be reproduced by all Phono stages.

Having said that if a Phono Stage does reduce surface noise, it simply means it is reducing or eliminating certain frequencies and that is undesirable.

 

I'd like to read descriptions of the sound of the Pro-Ject Tube Box and the Grado PH-1 if anyone has heard these specific units.