Batty Posted July 4, 2017 Posted July 4, 2017 I have an MF X-LPS v3 with little pinkie PSU, I was wondering what sort of cash I would need to spend to see a reasonable improvement. Carts are : MC - Audio Technica AT-OC9 III and MM - Shure V15 mk III with Jico Neo SAS/S. Would a Vincent Pho-8 be in there or would I need to go to the Pho-700? 2nd hand and DIY are also options. Cheers
Grumpy Posted July 4, 2017 Posted July 4, 2017 l love my pho8 Steve but @Capone s HEED phono sounded better in my system although it costs about two and a half times more . The pho 8 was abou $360 delivered.
Andrews_melb Posted July 4, 2017 Posted July 4, 2017 What about a Graham Slee? Although i guess you are looking for one with a switch for MM/MC on the phonostage, cant remember if they have a model with that. at least you can loan one for a home trial
TerryO Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 The PHO-700 is now a run out model, a updated version arrives in a month or two so I was told. It apparently will come with a USB connection. cheers Terry
Benje Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 Batty I picked up a Vincent PHO-8 recently (I needed something for the phono as the new receiver doesn't have a phono amp). Given the rare use it will get, if you want to borrow it for a week, let me know. You should have my number. At least you will know whether a PHO-8 will do it or not. It does MM and MC. Benje 4
Wimbo Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 I have a PHO8 going through a Passive Pre (JDS Labs) running a couple of Class A monobloks and the low noise,Dynamics and Drive I'm getting from it is very impressive. Using an AT95VL. Don't know yet what its MC section is like. The MF's I always found to be a bit weak and boring.
Batty Posted July 5, 2017 Author Posted July 5, 2017 Thanks Benji, I may just take you up on that. Yes I do have your number. As you may have guessed it's tax time and I have a desire to use my return well. 1
mloutfie Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 unless you like warm and think sound with aggressive treble roll off I would stay away from PHO 700
Batty Posted July 5, 2017 Author Posted July 5, 2017 My amp is a Copland CSA29 Hybrid Integrated, so enough of the 'valve sound' thanks for you input mloutfie. I have an Akitika DIY MM stage that sounds better than the MF to my ears and the BL Pre Pre for MC, I may just stick with these... Oh decisions, decisions.
TerryO Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 Steve, I think you should buy a PHO-700 and then lend it to me for a week or two. I will even try several different 12au7's in it for you to let you know what sounds best with my system, sorry I meant to say what might sound best for you. How can you pass up on a offer like that? .... cheers Terry
stevoz Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 6 hours ago, Wimbo said: I have a PHO8 going through a Passive Pre (JDS Labs) running a couple of Class A monobloks and the low noise,Dynamics and Drive I'm getting from it is very impressive. Using an AT95VL. Don't know yet what its MC section is like. I have a PHO-8. Everyone knows I love it.......while the MM section (most used) sounds fantastic, the MC section is very quiet and my DL103 sounds incredible through it.
Batty Posted July 5, 2017 Author Posted July 5, 2017 I think I will put the X-LPS up in the classifieds, but may keep the little pinkie for the X-Can as that has had the Rock Grotto mods done.
mloutfie Posted July 5, 2017 Posted July 5, 2017 Didn't realise you have bugle 2. You should try Cornet 3. I use it with teddy pardo LPS with a aksa paris battery MC step up. Magical combo
Batty Posted July 5, 2017 Author Posted July 5, 2017 (edited) Cornet 3 is a bit beyond my price I think, will check. I can't get past the looks, that is probably why I'm moving the Bugle 2. Edited July 5, 2017 by Batty
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