Phono Stage upgrade guidance needed - MF X-LP2 to ???

[twelvebears]

Hello Chaps, hope you and yours are all well.

So life has been busy and complicated for quite some time but I've recently managed to get back to enjoying some system time, specifically with the magic black discs.

I've been wondering how to get a bit more life into the sound of my Techie, Jelco 750, AT-33EV combo and wonder if I should be looking at my MF X-LP2.

I've done the obvious stuff like checking tracking force, VTA, azimuth (both of which were a touch off tbh), but still not 'feeling the love' at the moment.

Has anyone got any thoughts re the MF X-LP2 and what might be a worthwhile improvement. The Pro-ject Phono Box RS has caught my eye but there's not a huge amount out there about it, so I'd prefer the collective wisdom.

Budget not vast - up to a grand max, so not sure if I'm going to struggle to better the MF for that money?

Any ideas?

[struth]

lp2 was a good stage in its day but could be bettered now. i like my new firebottle plus. think its the best stage ive owned.

[Ali Tait]

+1 for a Firebottle. I have a two box version, sounds great. Had mine built with Mundorf Zn's and Takman carbon resistors, though Alan will build it with whatever you wish to use.

[twelvebears]

lp2 was a good stage in its day but could be bettered now. i like my new firebottle plus. think its the best stage ive owned.

Thanks Grant. Yes that was kind of my thinking. As you say, it was well liked 14 years ago but I suspected there were more modern options now which might be a better choice.

I'll have a look.

[Ali Tait]

Steve, these was a loaner unit doing the rounds, give Alan a shout.

[Andrei]

I have had a Project Tube box that I thought was dire. The Firebottle would be a must try for me. If you want solid state then I recall Rothwell comfortably winning a shootout in HI-Fi Choice or Hi-Fi News.

[Mark Pope]

Tron have a new phono stage for £1k - the upper limit of your budget. It's called the Convergence.
If it's anything like my Seven preamp, you'd be in for a real treat.
Why not give Graham Tricker at GT Audio a call?

[Rush2112]

Unfortunately I have not heard the Firebottle but for me a custom build option probably offers far better sound and value for money, my own QT Iota Signature Refetence is in the same vein and for me was far better than considerably dearer options from the likes of Krell and Audio Research. I once heard the EAR phono-stage which was impressive but not sure if it's still available or how much it is ? Likewise Michell's ISO and Hera was great years ago but not sure if that's still available or how well it stands up to current stages, I think the well regarded Tom Evans had a hand in its design.