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Cheap Phono Stage (Read 1438 times)
Showme
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Cheap Phono Stage
04/19/19 at 20:05:52
 
Anybody got any recommendations for a cheap phono stage I could use while my ZP3 is on order? I'm moving my Thorens TD-124 out of a system with an integrated amp into my Decware system. As we all know the wait seems to be about 4 months now.
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HockessinKid
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #1 - 04/19/19 at 20:24:32
 
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Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #2 - 04/19/19 at 21:53:16
 
Thanks HK. There are even some of those on the auction site for about $80. Your links guarantee maybe worth the extra though.
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bikehappy1
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #3 - 04/19/19 at 23:07:48
 
I've heard the Parks Puffin is decent too. It's more than 80 bucks. I'm using my old Cambridge audio ps until the ZP3 returns.
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Home: Torii MKIV-25, ZP3-25, HR-1’s, ZLC, DSR, DHC-1, PSA DSD, ZRock2, SA8005, Zenstiyx, VPI Prime, Hana ML, ZMC1.
Work: SE84UFO-25, Schiit modi, Trapeziums, MacBook air, Audirvana aiff. Also have a pair of ESS AMT 1C’s in workout room with a cxnv2.
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Showme
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #4 - 04/20/19 at 17:08:27
 
Just researched the Puffin. I like it. Not sure if I can justify the $400 when I've got $2,000 earmarked for the ZP3.
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Geno
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #5 - 04/20/19 at 19:01:23
 
The Schiit Mani is solid too. And inexpensive. I had one before I got my ZP3.
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(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222
Crown sub amp
Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT
SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7
Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R
ZLC Power Cond.
Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles
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Showme
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #6 - 04/20/19 at 20:47:50
 
Geno, did you have any problems with RF interference? I just read a review and that was the "con" by the reviewer. He also linked to a forum with some people complaining about it picking up radio stations plainly enough to hear the DJ's and music. Other aspects received good remarks.
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Geno
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Without music, life
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #7 - 04/20/19 at 21:27:00
 
I used it for over a year with no problems at all.
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(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222
Crown sub amp
Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT
SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7
Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R
ZLC Power Cond.
Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles
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Showme
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #8 - 04/20/19 at 22:29:18
 
Thanks for your input. Appreciated.
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Geno
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Without music, life
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #9 - 04/21/19 at 22:48:59
 
If you’re looking for something to use for several months until you can get your ZP3, this should do nicely. And like I said, very inexpensive. Good luck!
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(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222
Crown sub amp
Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT
SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7
Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R
ZLC Power Cond.
Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles
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Showme
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Posts: 302
Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #10 - 04/27/19 at 21:59:56
 
I ended up with the Pro-Ject S2. Tough to decide between the Schiit Mani and the Pro-Ject. Ordered it yesterday from Music Direct and 24 hours later with free shipping it’s playing in my system. It’s so good I have to wonder how much better the “full bore” $2,000 ZP3 will be. A lot I hope.
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HockessinKid
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #11 - 04/27/19 at 23:51:10
 
Glad you like the Pro-Ject. It's an often overlooked little gem, below $200.  It will sound better after ~50 hours of use. The ZP3 is in a whole other league.

HK
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Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables
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Ace-Tone
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8+ years with
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #12 - 04/28/19 at 18:17:19
 
I had a Pro-ject tube box s for awhile. The ZP3 was a huge step up. I was not disappointed in any way. Also, better speaker cables, and cartridge, had huge-positive impacts as well.
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SE84UFO25, ZP3, Zstage, ZR2, ZSB, DM947, HERESY iii
VPI-Traveler2 +SS Zephyr MKIIIes.
Cambridge CXC. Schiit Bimby DAC
IC's Audio Envy, Decware, RAC-PC's, Mapleshade Dbl Helix+Spkr wires & jumpers
Blue Circle PLC FX2X0e, Herbies, GIK, PI Audio DIY treatment
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StevieT
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Re: Cheap Phono Stage
Reply #13 - 03/25/20 at 01:25:48
 
I have a Parasound Zphono MM/MC coming my way, $250

2 inputs, MM 47k, MC 47k and MC 100k choices. Headphone jack and USB AD converter.

I’ll let you know... anyone try it?
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