Icon Audio PS2?

[Totemkid]

I am interested in upgrading my phono stage from a Cambridge Audio 640p to a Valve phono stage and was wondering if anyone has tried the Icon Audio PS2 valve phono stage. I have an ortofon 2m blue cartridge at present and could get a step up transformer at a later stage. Any thoughts on this phono stage or any alternative recommendations?

[OD1]

Hi David,
2 years ago I upgraded a Dino Mk2 to a PS2 with the Icon Audio MCTX SUT (cartridge ATOC9 mk3), and was very pleased with it.
Music seemed to have more texture, air, space & depth compared to the more analytical sounding Dino. I only sold the PS2 when I changed my amps to Croft pre power, otherwise would still have the PS2.
Hope this helps?
Oliver

PS: I ordered mine with "upgraded" PS Vane ECC83 valves.

[Haselsh1]

Further to what has been said, I could only really recommend the Croft RIAA phono stage at around £500.

[Totemkid]

Hello Oliver
Thanks for your comments on the PS2. Your description of the sound it delivers (air, space and depth) sound encouraging. I will admit that I am familiar with Icon products, having owned an Icon MC34 amp for many years before changing to my current amp (Unison Research Secondo).
Regards
David

[Totemkid]

Croft also seems to be very popular with forum members. Mmm decisions decisions!

[struth]

A firebottle is in tht price range and it a superb valve stage, and worth every penny of its relatively cheap price point IMO . Ive had one now (as have a number of my friends) for a while and it has blown away everything I have tried to date

[lewis]

I would also recommend the excellent Firebottle phono stage, but you have another option seeing as you already have a cambridge 640p.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hifiwigwam.com%2Farkless-electronics-phono-stage%2F&ei=kuI5VcCkG83LaMvwgPAC&usg=AFQjCNFO06ELTNtHK_YbIVRR_ElPkeqVyA

[talisman2]

you could try the Consonance Cyber 40 advertised on 2ndhandhifi in stockton for £599 (i'm sure Simon would advise you of it's suitability in your system)

[Totemkid]

Hello Alf
Thanks for the advice re the Consonance Cyber 40 from Simon's place but I have beaten you to it, tried and bought it. It gives a lovely airy sound with plenty of texture. I have tried it in a friend's system who has moving coil cartridges ( several of em) and there appears to be plenty of gain. Just need to upgrade my tone arm and cartridge and that is my system completed. (Or is it!!!)

[talisman2]

knowing you , and all the money you have stashed away , you will be through to simons post haste to upgrade

[tapid]

You could try the Dynavector P75, stonking good value at around 600 I feel, certainly get your toes tapping.

[rossman]

I am interested in upgrading my phono stage from a Cambridge Audio 640p to a Valve phono stage and was wondering if anyone has tried the Icon Audio PS2 valve phono stage. I have an ortofon 2m blue cartridge at present and could get a step up transformer at a later stage. Any thoughts on this phono stage or any alternative recommendations?

David, I would suggest getting on the Firebottle list and waiting to hear that if you can. I've had chance to listen to it for over an hour today and it was excellent. I've not really had anything previously to compare it to in a similar quality bracket though. I've just got a Rega Elex-r and while I don't think that the integral phono stage is fully run in yet and should improve over the coming weeks, the Firebottle is clearly ahead at the moment.

[rubber duck]

+1 for the Firebottle. The other alternative is to send your 640P to Arkless. I have a 640P, Croft Micro 25 and 25 Basic, and have tried both the earlier Firebottle and Arkless 640. As both the Firebottle and Arkless are doing their rounds, you could put your name on the list, have a listen, and then decide.

[Floyddroid]

The Ming Da 2006 is better in my opinion and cheaper to boot. better still is the Firebottle+
I am interested in upgrading my phono stage from a Cambridge Audio 640p to a Valve phono stage and was wondering if anyone has tried the Icon Audio PS2 valve phono stage. I have an ortofon 2m blue cartridge at present and could get a step up transformer at a later stage. Any thoughts on this phono stage or any alternative recommendations?

[struth]

firebottle is great...cheaper option Schiit mani.does both mm mc

[rossman]

I believe that David has a valve phono stage now. I did offer to let him listen to the Firebottle+ while it is with me but he already had another one by then.