phono stage advice

[Firebottle]

This ^^^

[Macca]

Would it be true to say, then, that the phono stage can never be too good for the cartridge? Even if the cart is a budget MM?

[struth]

It can be overkill, and in some cases possibly not as good. Some fancy ones like the whest i had was poor on say an at95. It was an expensive unit but i thought it nothing special personally and wouldnt have one in a gift

[Arkless Electronics]

Would it be true to say, then, that the phono stage can never be too good for the cartridge? Even if the cart is a budget MM?

Pretty much yes. The only caveat would be that some budget cartridges (and a few expensive ones!) with a raggedy top end to them may sound better balanced with a dull sounding phono stage...there again some budget cartridges are dull as ditch water... So yes generally the phono stage can never be too good for the cartridge.
With one of the better budget MM's such as the AT95E you will notice huge benefits with a decent phono stage.

[julesd68]

Would you consider a valve phono stage, brings something extra to vinyl that SS can't quite match. However you may like the control and precision of a SS phono stage?

If you do consider valve then a Croft phono stage would be my first consideration. Dynamic, detailed, transparent with a touch of Croft valve magic that brings a live presentation to recordings. If you use NOS valves then they can sound very special.

I'd agree with trying a valve phono. You could try to find a 2nd hand Puresound P10 which are excellent sounding and great build quality. I really liked mine.

[Arkless Electronics]

Would you consider a valve phono stage, brings something extra to vinyl that SS can't quite match. However you may like the control and precision of a SS phono stage?

If you do consider valve then a Croft phono stage would be my first consideration. Dynamic, detailed, transparent with a touch of Croft valve magic that brings a live presentation to recordings. If you use NOS valves then they can sound very special.

A SS stage can sound soft and valvey and a valve stage can have all the grip and precision any one could want... It's far too much of a generalisation and mainly down to things other than whether SS or valves are used.... I make both BTW.

[walpurgis]

A SS stage can sound soft and valvey and a valve stage can have all the grip and precision any one could want... It's far too much of a generalisation and mainly down to things other than whether SS or valves are used.... I make both BTW.

I agree. I've used and heard quite a few of both types.

I had a Graham Slee ERA Gold V for a few years and there's no way you'd tell whether it was valve or transistor just from listening to it. It had no signature sound. Which of course is a good thing.

[smithie]

well guys
thanks for all the views,advice and ideas....im certainly not stuck for choice am i
as ive been on a bit of a spending spree of late buying amplifiers/dacs im gonna have to take things slowly till i recoup finance wise
but at least i have a general idea of the caliber of phono stage i should aim for.....which seems to be the most expensive i can afford
at present it looks like im aiming for a schiit mani as its cheap,gets great reviews and will get me up and running again until i have some more coin in my pocket to get something a lot more worth while
once again i appreciate all the help and advice and experience shared,i shall also keep some diy valve stage options open to,as im quite partial to a bit of diy and glowing valves....sometimes it can be a nightmare having to much choice

regards
smithie

[CageyH]

There is no direct link between sound quality and cost.
Try some of the demo units available from different manufacturers and see which you prefer.

[petrat]

Something else to consider. I think that it's important to be able to easily alter the gain and loading on a phonostage, as, inevitably, you'll end up with different cartridges and amplifiers/speakers in the future. Phonostages that have a single 'set' gain and loading shouldn't be considered imo.