Phono Stage Upgrade for Dynavector 17DX

[CrillboBaggins]

Morning,

I’ve currently got a Moon LP110v2 phono stage which is hooked up to my deck (Townshend Rock with an Audiomods Series Six Tonearm with Dynavector 17DX cart - then Townshend Allegri + passive pre into EAR Yoshino 890 power amp).

The Moon has been (is) a great stage but with this cartridge being low output at 0.3mV I’m after a phono stage with greater loading options (especially gain) and general upgrade.

I’ve been looking to upgrade for a while as well so just after some recommmendations. Probably used and about / up to £1k £1.5k max but willing to wait / save up for something a bit more ‘special’.

I've heard good things about Trilogy 907 from someone whos opinion I trust entirley but I suspect used this may be slightly out of budget. EAR 894P but I don't think has loading options.

Also, the ability to home demo would be a must if anyone has any recommendations of who to approach as well.

Cheers

[Lurch]

There is a Rega Aria for sale on the Wam if that's of interest?

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[CrillboBaggins]

There is a Rega Aria for sale on the Wam if that's of interest?

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Thanks John

[flapland]

As a recent convert to Tron you could consider the Tron Convergence MC. If you speak with Graham he should be able to configure one to match your 17DX.

Otherwise the newer Tom Evans Microgrooves have loading options.

[topoxforddoc]

Another vote for the TRON Convergence. Exquisitely built and great sound quality.

[PaulBarnett]

Consider a Graham Slee phono. I have one (MM) for a 10x5, works great - but the main thing is - you can arrange to borrow
any of his kit for home demo for just the cost of postage.

[CrillboBaggins]

As a recent convert to Tron you could consider the Tron Convergence MC. If you speak with Graham he should be able to configure one to match your 17DX.

Otherwise the newer Tom Evans Microgrooves have loading options.

Yep, heard good things about these but wasn't sure where to purchase etc. Do you know if you can home demo a unit ?

[CrillboBaggins]

As a recent convert to Tron you could consider the Tron Convergence MC. If you speak with Graham he should be able to configure one to match your 17DX.

Otherwise the newer Tom Evans Microgrooves have loading options.

Paul,

spoke with Graham, really nice guy, although he doesn't do a home demo service as all units are made to order, this could be a possibility.

I've got a TE Microgrovve demo unit due this weekend.

Out of interest did you get a chance to compare the Convergence to the Microgroove ? Since I'll only be able to home demo one of them it's a difficult decision to make if the Microgroove blows me away, especially with the Convergence being £300 / £600 more.

ta

Luke

ta

Luke

[worrasf]

I also have a TE Microgroove and it is simply stunning..Tom configured mine for my Paradoxpulse DL103R but it has dip switches to change the loading for a wide variety of cartridges (112, 140, 187, 280 & 560 ohms). I'm currently listening to it into a TE full monty upgraded Pioneer A- 300R - big silly grin

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[flapland]

Luke, I have a Tron Seven which is similar spec but in a full size case. It's not longer sold but is available second hand occasionally.

I had a Microgroove but it was an early one and also a MM only one which I used with a Cinemag SUT.

The Microgroove was very good but the Tron is at another level especially in terms of bass and clarity.

[CrillboBaggins]

Luke, I have a Tron Seven which is similar spec but in a full size case. It's not longer sold but is available second hand occasionally.

I had a Microgroove but it was an early one and also a MM only one which I used with a Cinemag SUT.

The Microgroove was very good but the Tron is at another level especially in terms of bass and clarity.

Thanks Paul, did you go for the Signature version with your Convergence ?

I've narrowed it down to:
Tron convergence
TE The Groove Plus (used) (i'll still loan the Microgroove though)
Avid Pulsus (used)
EAR Phonobox / 834P (used)
Longdog McJ3


Would be great to be able to home demo all but not sure how realistic this is

[Firebottle]

I'd take the Longdog over the EAR phonobox, the EAR uses feedback equalisation which always sounds a bit 'sat on' to my ears.

Never heard a Tom Evans stage unfortunately.

[walpurgis]

I'd take the Longdog over the EAR phonobox, the EAR uses feedback equalisation which always sounds a bit 'sat on' to my ears.

Never heard a Tom Evans stage unfortunately.

I didn't think the EAR was anything special either.

[flapland]

Thanks Paul, did you go for the Signature version with your Convergence ?


I have the Tron Seven not the Convergence. Which is a different design but I suspect similar spec to a signature Convergence. A Tron anything is going to be decent to be honest. If you can get Graham to vouch for it and get the price down the one Emporium have is worth a punt.

[Lurch]

I have an MFA Classic Baby SUT (1:10) for sale in the classifieds, you'd be more than welcome to try it into the mm side of your moon (just cover postage). It has 6 different load settings (see middle column in photo).https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200902/6a6d3de8666dd9ec5026c0a1a191864c.jpg

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[flapland]

Lurch's suggestion is a really good one and could an interesting alternative approach.

[CrillboBaggins]

I have an MFA Classic Baby SUT (1:10) for sale in the classifieds, you'd be more than welcome to try it into the mm side of your moon (just cover postage). It has 6 different load settings (see middle column in photo).https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200902/6a6d3de8666dd9ec5026c0a1a191864c.jpg

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Thanks John

I may well take you up on your offer after I’ve finished with the current hemp demo unit I have.

Thanks

[Westendboy]

Thanks Paul, did you go for the Signature version with your Convergence ?

I've narrowed it down to:
Tron convergence
TE The Groove Plus (used) (i'll still loan the Microgroove though)
Avid Pulsus (used)
EAR Phonobox / 834P (used)
Longdog McJ3


Would be great to be able to home demo all but not sure how realistic this is
Thought that the Rogue Ares was “voiced” using the 17dx