help me choose a phono stage

[mikemac]

Is it possible to have a high quality phono stage with cheap obtainable valves ie 12**7, 6**7?
I have found lots of threads for phono stages, but they seem invariable to be other types of valves.
I am using an ortofon red, a technics1200, a leak stereo 20 and some Kef Duettes.
I realize that this is a bit lo-fi when i see other peoples kit, i don't want to be spending lots for the valves but i would like a quality phono stage. It doesn't have to be terrible simple

[planet10]

Some agreement on reasonable affordable and well performing design builds?

dave

[erin]

I have this Oatley hybrid valve/ FET phono stage which sounds very smooth and detailed.
Oatley Electronics

However, the microphonics are terrrible and in its current state its not usable in the real world no matter how much you damp the valves or case or anything. When playing a record, and you turn the volume up to a decent level, there is massive feedback untill you turn the volume down.
But, I am now using mine to rip vinyl to the PC, so I dont have the volume up when ripping, so microphonics are not a problem.

On this thread here: JAN6418 and microphony there is a suggestion that installing 1Meg resitors fixes this problem.
But I have not tried it out yet.

I tentatively recommend the kit becuse it sounds fantastic, its local, and its quite cheap.
However, whether the microphonics problem can be fixed, I dont know at this stage.

I compared it to a Cyrus 1 phono stage which is "well regarded" using a Linn Sondek with Linn pre and power amp, and this kit easily beat the Cyrus phono stage.
However, I don't know how it stacks up against other phono stages, but I suspect it would do very well. Let me just say that apart from the microphonics, it does not do much wrong as far as the sound goes.

good luck with whatever you do..

[mikemac]

Thanks moderater, the http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analo...-new-post.html thread pretty much takes care of it all.
I also have the Oatley Preamp. I have tried everthing including filling box with expandable foam and it still rings/occilates ,i dont know which.i also have the j-fet fromboozehound and its pretty good.I just want a bit more...dont we all

[erin]

Cool, so you tell me, which is better, Oatley or Boozehound?
Curious?

[PaleRider]

Originally Posted by mikemac

Is it possible to have a high quality phono stage with cheap obtainable valves ie 12**7, 6**7?
I have found lots of threads for phono stages, but they seem invariable to be other types of valves.
I am using an ortofon red, a technics1200, a leak stereo 20 and some Kef Duettes.
I realize that this is a bit lo-fi when i see other peoples kit, i don't want to be spending lots for the valves but i would like a quality phono stage. It doesn't have to be terrible simple

Definetly. I`ve returned to vinyl via the surpricingly cheap Audion Premier Phono Stage, using a set of 12AX7/6922 (in serial!)

Amazinly clean & open, huge soundstage, makes even cheap cartigdes sound good. A giant killer.

After some minor uppgrading it`s outperforming quite more expensive & reputated phonostages.