Phono stages: an observation

Sorry posted a question but in hindsight I hijacked the thread, Sorry.

I can only speak from experience; not saying that more expensive is always better, but for me I had to go a bit upmarket to get what I wanted.

I started with a Graham Slee 2SE with the upgraded PSU. Good all-round performance, but lacking dynamics and balls to give vinyl the sound I know it is capable of.

Then came a PS Audio GCPH. Much better sound, more delicate detail but far too much noise and hum, which became intrusive when using high gain for MC cartridges.

Now I'm using a Whest PS.30R. Fabulous all-round sound, dynamic and with excellent grunt at the bottom end. Works well either directly for MC carts or with a step-up transformer (my preferred coupling). I'm not looking any further for a phono preamp.

The best I heard is RS Samuels The Nighthawk its battery operated no hum issues what so ever is really dynamic and has lots of gain on tap In relatives terms considering its performance it is a bit of a bargin too.

I'm listening with a Lehmann Black Cube SE phono stage.

Is it good? I hope it is as good as I think it is. :confused:
I can say that I'm buying alot more vinyl since the purchase of the Lehmann. Not thinking of upgrading is a bonus too.

http://www.lehmannaudio.com/assets/s...se_980x320.png

My favourite phono stage is the EAR834P MM, it's super just 'as is' out of the shop.

I also like the on board stage in the Rotel RA-04 integrated i'm using at present, very punchy and clean.

Others i've liked are the Creek OBH-8SE (slightly transistory, but good), the evergreen Cambridge Audio 640P (a bit 'airbrushed' and samey), the Goldring PA1 worked nicely with Goldrings cartridges, very smooth.

I little gem is the Graham Slee 'Bridge' in a metal box, not as open at the top end but nice bass and rhythm.

The EAR 834p is a great phono stage. I've been selling them for over 20 years and it has stood the test of time.

Tried a budget Creek which was excellent. Tried Trichord Dino + Diablo (full blown version), very very good. Tried Lehmann, hated. So far got a Sugden masterclass, its great, I dont think it will be my last one but time will tell.

I have a Ray Samuels Nighthawk amongst my 5 phono stages. I find on rock it's pretty much as good as anything. On more intimate and less processed recordings I prefer the diyhifisupply Vinyl Song LCR phono stage.

On rock the Nighthawk and Vinyl Song are pretty close, the Nighthawk being a touch more detailed and the Vinyl Ssong LCR being less aggressive. There is a huge difference when it comes to more naturally recorded music. The VS is far more 3D with great ambiance. A number of people I know use the Nighthawk as their reference. If I only listened to rock it would be my choice but the Vinyl Song LCR has better bass, more tuneful and better shape to the notes on the right music. Bass integration with the mid is better too. The soundstage differences are very apparent in my system which is OB and valve based. A solidstate system with box speakers may well be better matched with the Nighthawk.

Yes guess it the rocker in me that loves the Nighthawk

Best I've heard is Nick's LCR phono stage. Not that I've heard many comercial ones, but it's head and shoulders above anything else I've heard.