Garrard 401 Phono Stage

[bernie1]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my phono stage, I currently have a little Edwards Audio MM which I bought as a stopgap, what would suit a Garrard?
Mine is with a SME 3009 arm, which I'd like to keep, and I was thinking along the lines of an EAR or an Icon audio valve stage, anyone use one of these?

Bernie

[Wakefield Turntables]

Why not have a word with Nick (lurcher) at long dog audio he produces custom MM valve phonostages, this might be up your street ?

[Ammonite Audio]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my phono stage, I currently have a little Edwards Audio MM which I bought as a stopgap, what would suit a Garrard?
Mine is with a SME 3009 arm, which I'd like to keep, and I was thinking along the lines of an EAR or an Icon audio valve stage, anyone use one of these?

Bernie

A friend of mine mentioned the other day that he's planning to sell his Icon Audio valve phono amp. I'm not sure, but I think its this one - http://www.iconaudio.com/portfolio-item/ps3-mm-mmmc/

[hifi_dave]

Icon have a whole new range of phono stages which are not on their website yet.

Also, if you need MM only, the Croft RIAA takes some beating.

[bernie1]

Thanks, I'll check out the Croft, I was wondering what everyone else uses with their Garrard?

bernie

[bernie1]

Thanks, I'll check him out
Bernie

[Riislingen]

Thanks, I'll check out the Croft, I was wondering what everyone else uses with their Garrard?

bernie

Something from Croft :D

[Beobloke]

I use an Anatek MC1 with mine. Would still like to upgrade it to an MCR, though!

[Reffc]

I have a 401 and until recently used a 3009 with it. I use a couple of phonostages depending on which TT is on duty, a Gram Amp 2 (bought as a stand in but I liked it so much it stayed) and an EAR 834P signature upgraded with a few fancy parts includig NOS JAN Phillips valves.

Tried the Icon and didn't like it. very soft and woolly in the base and the circuit design means that as valve life goes on it'd only get softer and more fluffy...way overpriced too IMHO.

The EAR is ok if you pick one up used for around £500. In fact at that price, there's really very little to touch it, especially with some nice Mullards or Phillips valves insitu. New, it's also overpriced (IMHO) and doesn't stand up well against the competition.

For MM I really like the PS Audio GCHP phono stage. Its a cracker and available for around £500 used.

Used Dino with NCPS (but not without...standard Dino is distinctly average IMHO) is also a good bet as is the Graham Slee Era V Gold. Even new, thats a great piece of kit, well designed, well made and sounds great.

[ninedecks]

Thanks, I'll check out the Croft, I was wondering what everyone else uses with their Garrard?

bernie

I use a Quad 44 pre which has the upgraded MM phono card fitted.
Dave

[bernie1]

Thanks, I used to have a Dino+, and it didn't do a lot for me.., I also used to have a Delphini, which was Ok, but I have been interested in The PS Audio, as well as the Ear, price wise, I'd agree, seems quite expensive for what it is.... could it be the name on it??

Bernie

[stewartwen]

I use a Graham Slee Jazz Cub (modified by GSP himself) it sounds absolutely amazing, I have not heard a phono stage as good so I have used this for almost 8 Years.
S

[Floyddroid]

I am using the eastern Electric Minimax and it is terrific. I listened to it against the Quad and the EAR. It sounds head and shoulders above either of them with both my NA Hyperspace or my Technics SL1500. try and get a listen if you can. well worth considering. Sounded bang on with my mates 301.

[walpurgis]

Bernie, more to the point, is what cartridge will you intend using?

I had an EAR 834P and it was pretty good, but then I bought the Graham Slee ERA Gold V, MM phono stage and it was definitely better, more neutral and better grip, not to mention the great transparency and total lack of any 'transistory' character.

My mate uses the Icon Audio valve phono stage and he is happy with it, but it is not better than the ERA Gold V, which is a huge bargain soundwise. (the Slee 'Jazz Club' is a specialised variant of the ERA Gold V, by the way)

If you want to use a low output MC cartridge, I'd say go the SUT route with an MM stage as I've always found this better, this is what I do with the Slee.

And, Steve is right, the Minimax too is very good and does not have the 'rose tinted' character of the 834P and Icon.

[Patrick Dixon]

I use a Graham Slee Jazz Cub (modified by GSP himself) it sounds absolutely amazing, I have not heard a phono stage as good so I have used this for almost 8 Years.
S

Modified in what way?

[DSJR]

If you haven't done it, the Edwards phono stage has a supply upgrade (or you may have the proper two box model already?) which offers lower noise and more apparently.

Please excuse the comment, but any of the phono stages mentioned should easily reproduce improvements further back in the chain. meaning, and purely in my opinion of course, the 401 must be pristine and properly plinthed, the tonearm must be more than adequate for the cartridge used. An SME is a nice old vintage tonearm, but please be careful in cartridge choice, and the stock shell should be changed if you're using lower compliance cartridges in it..

Sorry, don't mean to butt in.......

[Audioman]

If you want to use a low output MC cartridge, I'd say go the SUT route with an MM stage as I've always found this better, this is what I do with the Slee.


Geoff.

Did you try the Elevator with the Slee and if so how does it compare with an SUT?

Paul.

[walpurgis]

Geoff.

Did you try the Elevator with the Slee and if so how does it compare with an SUT?

Paul.

No Paul I've not tried the Elevator.

I've heard good things about it. But not felt the need to investigate as I have three very good sounding SUTs which work superbly with the ERA Gold V.

Geoff.

[bernie1]

So, The Graham Slee looks like a good bet at the moment, but all the others mentioned, the Ear, Icon Audio & the Eastern Electric, all appear to be good as well, thanks everyone, I'll try to have a listen to these, btw the Garrard is in an SME plinth at the moment.

Bernie

[petrat]

Suggest you have a look at Haden Boardman's phono stage (Audio Classics UK) on his website. I have one, and rate it highly. He's well-respected and happy to talk, particularly about Garrards. He usually sends than out, and only takes payment once you're satisfied.

[nat8808]

Can a phono stage be tailored to the deck??

Surely it is about the cartridge at one end and the pre-amp at the other. They are the only considerations, no?

Unless you're looking for an aesthetic match?

[oldius]

I have the Leema Agena hooked up to my decks. It is incredibly flexible, offers up to three inputs, each with two headshell settings and both MM and MC facility.

I compared it to so many stages and, to my ears, it was the best by a distance. They're expensive new and rare on the second hand market but worth seeking out.