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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
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Message started by Dr3wman on 12/09/21 at 23:23:00

Title: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by Dr3wman on 12/09/21 at 23:23:00

I have an opportunity to get a PS Audio Stellar Phono Stage for $1500. I had been considering the ZP3 as well.

Currently I have a Parks Audio Puffin and enjoy it.

Once it arrives it will be paired to a ToriiMKV with Copper Anniversary Mods, and a SL-1200GR (likely sticking to MM carts).

I know it's not black/white...just curious on people's opinions.

Thank you,

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by HockessinKid on 12/09/21 at 23:29:55

What kind of phono cartridge do you plan on using? Do you plan on a moving magnet w/ high output or plan on s low output moving coil cartridge?

Personally if you want to future proof your purchase, you might want to look at phono preamp with MM and MC capability. This will give you flexibility for using either type cartridge.

If you choose a ZP3 and want to use a low output MC cartridge, you'll have to get a step up transformer.

HK

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by Dr3wman on 12/09/21 at 23:32:24

I may eventually move to a MC cart, so future-proofing isn't a bad idea. But for the foreseeable future it'll be a Nagaoka MP-200.

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by HockessinKid on 12/10/21 at 00:14:24

The Stellar gives you more flexibility and looks like a good deal at that price. I can't speak to sound quality, but PS Audio is known for excellent products, several fans post here. There are a myriad of options out there if you alternatively want to pursue a tube phono preamp. Good luck.

HK

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by CAJames on 12/10/21 at 01:16:56

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I will say that IMO a tube MM phone stage + setup transformer is a great way to go for a low output MC. I made that switch a couple years ago with no regrets. It's hard to beat a purely passive transformer for the first stage of voltage gain.

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by hdrider on 12/12/21 at 19:24:08

I would agree that both are a good choice, I just know that our ZP3 and ZMC1 are the best combo that we have had. Bested my ARC SP-11 and NYAL preamps. Keep us posted on your travels down that rabbit hole. Happy listening, Chris.

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by Dr3wman on 12/13/21 at 03:06:45

Well, unexpectedly, I won the auction. I was the only bidder for a 4 month old phono stage, and given that new ones now sell for $2500, $1500 seems like a great deal. I’ve always wanted to own a piece of PS Audio, so this should be a fun addition to my system.

I’ll be moving from a solid, but entry level phono stage, I’ll be curious what differences I pick up on.

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by metropolis7 on 12/13/21 at 14:23:54

FWIW, my ZP3 soundly bested a PS Audio GCPH, Tavish, and EAR 834p.
In all three comparisons, it was apparent within the first few minutes of listening.

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by bikehappy1 on 12/14/21 at 22:33:32

I'll bring over the ZP3 with anniv mods sometime and we can compare them!!

Title: Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Post by Dr3wman on 12/14/21 at 22:50:15

Awesome. Maybe when you come down to help me set up the ToriiV when it arrives.