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PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR (Read 3099 times)

Dr3wman

Seasoned Member

Posts: 250

PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
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,

Torii MKV/25 mods
PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Technics SL-1200GR w/ Nagaoka MP-200.
KLH Model 3 speakers..
Sonos connect.

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HockessinKid

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1092

Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Reply #1 - 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

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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Dr3wman Seasoned Member Posts: 250	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #2 - 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.
Back to top	Torii MKV/25 mods PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier Technics SL-1200GR w/ Nagaoka MP-200. KLH Model 3 speakers.. Sonos connect. IP Logged

HockessinKid Seasoned Member Posts: 1092	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #3 - 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
Back to top	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 IP Logged

CAJames Seasoned Member "I've run every red light on memory lane." Posts: 1667	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #4 - 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.
Back to top	[FOOBAR2000 \| Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Senn HD-650 IP Logged

hdrider Seasoned Member On the path with Decware. Posts: 695	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #5 - 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.
Back to top	CSP3, Rachael, ZP3, ZMC 1, Sony ES Bluray, Schitt Bitfrost DAC,Sota Star TT w/ FR-64, Hana SL Low Output Moving coil, Omega 7XRS Mk 2 walnut, DeepOmega 8 sub, Morrow Audio PH3 and MA3 IC's, Gamma Electrostatic phones. IP Logged

Dr3wman

Seasoned Member

Posts: 250

Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR
Reply #6 - 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.

Torii MKV/25 mods
PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Technics SL-1200GR w/ Nagaoka MP-200.
KLH Model 3 speakers..
Sonos connect.

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metropolis7 Seasoned Member Posts: 176	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #7 - 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.
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bikehappy1 Seasoned Member Posts: 182	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #8 - 12/14/21 at 22:33:32 I'll bring over the ZP3 with anniv mods sometime and we can compare them!!
Back to top	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. IP Logged

Dr3wman Seasoned Member Posts: 250	Re: PHONO STAGE- ZP3 or PS AUDIO STELLAR Reply #9 - 12/14/21 at 22:50:15 Awesome. Maybe when you come down to help me set up the ToriiV when it arrives.
Back to top	Torii MKV/25 mods PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier Technics SL-1200GR w/ Nagaoka MP-200. KLH Model 3 speakers.. Sonos connect. IP Logged

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