Prefix phono stage can I do better.

[roob]

Guys
I run an LP12/Ittok/ Esco Troika front end, phono stage is a Naim Prefix powered by an Avondale psu, I am wondering if the phono stage can be improved upon for around £600 for a used unit or do I need to go to big bucks ie £1000+

[DSJR]

I think Mark (YNWOAN) has one that he's souped up, so if you're dab hand with a soldering iron, you could have a look there.

Loads of good phono stages for under £500 that get mentioned here. The croft one is a good place to start, but OBVIOUSLY, you need to have a look at more elegant solid state stuff.

One solid state phono stage that ought to be looked at I think is the range of small form models made by (Talk Electronics' Kevin) Edwards Audio. Simple modern build but using good caps etc where needed. I haven't heard these (my mate doesn't stock them) but I do know the full size stuff that went before (along with most of his cable designs) and I do think Kevin knows what he's doing ;)

[roob]

I am curious as to how a Prefix would stack up to more recent designs such as those from TE/Whest/Dynavector etc.

[SquireC]

There are a number of very good stages around to suit your taste and budget. I've just gone down the Uphorik route. I think its an excellent piece of kit. Worth a listen at least.;)

[chris@panteg]

I think Andrew (flatpopely) can help you with this one also but yeah take a listen to the Linn phono stages and is there an SUT that suits the Troika ? Is it about 470 ohms ?

[roob]

There are a number of very good stages around to suit your taste and budget. I've just gone down the Uphorik route. I think its an excellent piece of kit. Worth a listen at least.;)
A Uphorik is a bit to expensive for me, how about a Linto?

[trio leo]

At £500 you would be hard pushed to find a better unit than the Albarry MCA 11 IMO, battery powered and switchable loading. worth a listen before you decide.

regards Al

[SquireC]

A Uphorik is a bit to expensive for me, how about a Linto?

The Linto sounds very poor by comparison with a Uphorik ( and the Linto is a good piece of kit). I would suggest listening to a Uphorik to get a 'benchmark' for your comparisons, and then find a piece of kit within budget that gets closest. In my view, the Uph completely outclasses a Naim Stageline with power supply, for example, in terms of detail and stage width/depth.

Good hunting.

:)

[morris_minor]

There's the Graham Slee Reflex. You can borrow one from the GS forum ...

http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/members-services_forum40.html


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[htm_1968]

I went from Prefix/HiCap to Uphorik. The Uphorik was later sold to fund the move to a Urika. The Prefix is very good and responds well to a power supply upgrade. If your budget is extended to include the proceeds of the sale of the Prefix and p/s then you should be getting close to having enough for a second hand Uphorik. They tend to sell between £900 and £1200. The Uphorik is worth saving/waiting for, IMHO.