John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 So the upgrade bug has bitten. I'm thinking of swapping out my Rega Fono MC MK2 for something a bit more serious. I run Rega MC cartridges exclusively (Ania atm, Apheta 3 down the track). Looking for a real taste of the high-end but at a more, erm, realistic cost.. so budget is around $1500 - $2600 and maybe a bit higher if something really compelling jumped out, or lower if S/H etc. So what would you have on your shortlist? And why? Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mloutfie Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 (edited) a used Goldnote PH-10 plus the external power supply. I've gone through few under $2000 phono from primare, ps Audio, DIY phono and the goldnote was the one that is a clear upgrade Edited January 13, 2021 by mloutfie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 Thanks, the PH-10 is now on the list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artaudio Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Suggest you try an Australian made Dynavector P-75 Mk4 as your using a MC cartridge you can take advantage of the PE (current) mode. https://www.dynavector.com.au/index-4-P75.html 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rantan Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 5 minutes ago, artaudio said: Suggest you try an Australian made Dynavector P-75 Mk4 as your using a MC cartridge you can take advantage of the PE (current) mode. https://www.dynavector.com.au/index-4-P75.html Enthusiastically agree. I have this one paired with a DV 20X2 cart, using the PE mode and sonically it is a match made in audio heaven. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydrology Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 No right or wrong answer and a million recommendations. I'll shout out the Primare R35. I would also seriously consider the OAD phono stage - Australian made and designed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 Must admit I'd never even heard of the Dynavector, the PE mode sounds intriguing! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metal beat Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 14 minutes ago, artaudio said: Suggest you try an Australian made Dynavector P-75 Mk4 as your using a MC cartridge you can take advantage of the PE (current) mode. https://www.dynavector.com.au/index-4-P75.html +10. the new Mk4 is a clear step up in sound quality vs the previous models. superb performance vs price makes this a bargin, and Aussie made. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mloutfie Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 26 minutes ago, artaudio said: Suggest you try an Australian made Dynavector P-75 Mk4 as your using a MC cartridge you can take advantage of the PE (current) mode. https://www.dynavector.com.au/index-4-P75.html Didn't realise the P-75 mk4 has current one. Might give that one a try. Been looking for a current mode phono but they are normally quite expensive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 Primare R35 and OAD noted. Doesn't seem to be a lot of info around on the OAD that I can see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 23 minutes ago, mloutfie said: Didn't realise the P-75 mk4 has current one. Might give that one a try. Been looking for a current mode phono but they are normally quite expensive I thought the 'current mode' operation of the P-75 was for when you were using a DV LOMC cart - so not a Rega Ania/Apheta? Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mloutfie Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 @andyrits for any cartridge with internal.impedance less than 50. Ania is 10ohm. The in-ear.net reviewer actually uses p8 with ania Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugPowderDust Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Keep your eyes peeled for a used Manley Chinook. I love mine. Highly configurable valve MM / MC phone stage. I paid early $2k+ for mine in great condition. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 12ax7b Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 1 hour ago, andyr said: I thought the 'current mode' operation of the P-75 was for when you were using a DV LOMC cart - so not a Rega Ania/Apheta? Andy Bit disingenuous to provide false information when you are often prmoting your own product on the forum, dont you think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 22 minutes ago, 12ax7b said: Bit disingenuous to provide false information when you are often prmoting your own product on the forum, dont you think. You are very welcome to assume whatever you like, cuz. As I said - "I thought"; I'll be delighted if you can show me proof that the P-75's "current mode" works for any LOMC. Then I will have learnt something. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 2 hours ago, mloutfie said: @andyrits for any cartridge with internal.impedance less than 50. Ania is 10ohm. The in-ear.net reviewer actually uses p8 with ania Aah, thanks, Mahdie. Nice to know. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eman Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Having selectable gain and loading makes for fine tuning options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artaudio Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe67 Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Rega Aria Mk3 ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jebediah Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 https://www.wyndhamaudio.com.au/products/gsp-audio-accession-mc-phono-preamp-enigma-psu1 Give Keith a shout out for the Graham Slee loaner program perhaps...? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 Lots of interesting options being posted, appreciate all your input! Re the Rega Aria MK3, I had considered that as a logical upgrade but I've had issues with hum/noise with the Fono MC. Many of the options seem to use an outboard power supply so assume that would mitigate any potential for noise? Graham Slee and Manley added to the growing list (Although the Chinook is 4.5K ) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 (edited) 23 minutes ago, John0001 said: Graham Slee and Manley added to the growing list (Although the Chinook is 4.5K ) But not the Dyn P-75 Mk IV? The "current mode" it offers - to just about any LOMC, it seems - removes the need to apply correct loading to the cart ... which is required in a normal "voltage mode" phono stage. Which makes life much simpler! Yes, the Chinook is in another price bracket, entirely. Andy Edit: I would go the P-75 Mk IV over almost any G Slee phono stage (because of a. the current mode it offers and b. it's v4 - so a refinement of a long-standing circuit! ). But that's only my opinion - I'm sure there are others here that will disagree with me. Edited January 13, 2021 by andyr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John0001 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 Yep the Dyn P-75 Mk IV is on there! Its actually quite inexpensive, which is a definite plus. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 I use the P75 in PE mode with a Benz Micro cartridge on my Sondek/Ekos (that has been highly modified since I left Linn) and it by far beats any of the other phono amps I have tried over the years. Highly recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKay Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 I would recommend you look at a second hand Whest ps30r. They come up in Europe and the UK at around 1500. Whest phonos are well worth a look. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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