Originally Posted by
JohnG
Hi Rich
I have spent the last 18 months travelling around the Country auditioning Phonostages.
Combining Hifi Shows and Bake Offs, I have heard 30+ as well as purchasing Two Models, and supplying a set of critical ears for a recent new build model for a friend.
A Phonostage that I purchased and enjoying the use off, was shown its position in a line up at a Bake Off, it sat comfortably in the
£1000 - 2000 bracket, but was not noticeably being outperformed or Outperforming other models in this price bracket.
This lead me to consider other models, and I took a punt on a model that had my attention for a period of time.
This proved to be a ideal choice for me, in a cost to performance ratio, I have taken this for auditions as it has impressed me, it has also impressed others as well. I dropped it off at a Bake Off that I could not attend, the feed back that it punched above its purchase price and that it showed strengths that surpassed expensive branded models and Hi End DIY models, bolstered my belief in my choice.
There are only a few models I have gained knowledge of, through travelling to hear them, that I would like to hear it against.
There are even fewer models I have gained knowledge of, that I would consider to share the same role or become a replacement.
The point I am trying to make, is that a Phonostage, is a very individual choice, and learning how a choice is going to interface with a system, is going to be a time consuming, if a particular presentation is being sought.
I would fear that certain designs may create a Bass Bloom when using horn loaded speakers, this is a sound effect I dislike, something that I lock onto and find it a detractor when present. I can recall from these experiences, the Soundstage feels restricted as well, as if the boundaries of it are perceivable, I like the wings and the depth of a soundstage to seem endless.
Also a Moving Magnet Cartridge can offer the perception of separated performers in a Soundstage, to a point where a believable imagery is present. I find this a attractive in a replay.
I have felt from a few Phonostages, a Cohesive grouping of performers is being perceived in the Soundstage using MM.
If you can hold back on a purchase, attend a Bake Off or two during the year. I feel you will get a much better idea of performance to cost ratio of a device, if you attend a Bake off where your Turntable and Cartridge was able to be put on after the main event, being played through a Phonostage that captured your attention, then Win + Win.
I encouraged a friend to do a Similar thing with SUT's at a Bake Off earlier this year, he learnt a lot, his Phon' as a result become the performer that aroused the biggest applause of the day. The friend now has two AI SUT's purchased as well.
I think it is a case off, " How good should a Phonostage be for me "
If you would like to know about any Bake Off Venues outside off AoS, PM me.