Graham Slee, Joldia, or SimAudio Phono Stage

[jlafrenz]

I haven't been able to find much comparing these two phono stages so I figured I would seek the advice of the vinyl crowd here. I am looking at getting the Michell TecnoDec and need a phono stage that will work with my passive preamp. I have found the Gram Slee Amp 2SE and the SimAudio LP3 that should work. Just wanted to know everyone's opinion about these two stages and which may be a better choice. I have not decided on a cartridge yet, which I know will make a difference. The ones I am looking at are Grado Platinum or Sonata. Also looking at the Dynavector 10X5. Thoughts?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I haven't been able to find much comparing these two phono stages so I figured I would seek the advice of the vinyl crowd here. I am looking at getting the Michell TecnoDec and need a phono stage that will work with my passive preamp. I have found the Gram Slee Amp 2SE and the SimAudio LP3 that should work. Just wanted to know everyone's opinion about these two stages and which may be a better choice. I have not decided on a cartridge yet, which I know will make a difference. The ones I am looking at are Grado Platinum or Sonata. Also looking at the Dynavector 10X5. Thoughts?

I have a preference for moving coil (MC) cartridges, but they tend to be more expensive. I would suggest that you get a MC-compatible phono stage, to help future proof yourself. I know the SimAudio LP3 is MC-compatible, but I'm not sure about the Gram Slee one.

Another one to investigate (if your budget will stretch this far) is the Allnic H-1200. A tubed phono stage, it has both MC and MM inputs.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I haven't been able to find much comparing these two phono stages so I figured I would seek the advice of the vinyl crowd here. I am looking at getting the Michell TecnoDec and need a phono stage that will work with my passive preamp. I have found the Gram Slee Amp 2SE and the SimAudio LP3 that should work. Just wanted to know everyone's opinion about these two stages and which may be a better choice. I have not decided on a cartridge yet, which I know will make a difference. The ones I am looking at are Grado Platinum or Sonata. Also looking at the Dynavector 10X5. Thoughts?

Can't speak to either of those two preamps as I've never heard either. I do own a TecnoDec w/TecnoArm and can attest that you'll get the most out of it with a good preamp and cartridge. Although I'm still working on upgrading the preamp and cart in my own system.

[CasualKiller]

I have the Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE and for it's price range it's amazing. Tons of online reviews you can take a look at. My setup is a Music Hall MMF 5.1, Grado Platinum Reference.

Plenty of high output MC carts out there to experiment with that are fully compatible with the Slee.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I have never owned a MC cartridge, but am toying with the idea for the next one. Benz is one company that I seem to be attracted to.

I am however very familiar with the Grado line-up of MI cartridges and truly do enjoy them. I am currently employing a Platinum and love it's performance, although I think that an upgrade to the Sonata would be of benefit. The Platinum is a wonderful all-around cartridge, but the Sonata would provide you with more detail in the mid to higher ranges.

From what I've read and understand, the phono-stage isn't nearly as critical as the tonearm matched with the right cartridge. As such, I wouldn't worry too much about either considerations. Both companies are well respected and I'm sure that either would serve your needs very well.


John

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by richteer

I have a preference for moving coil (MC) cartridges, but they tend to be more expensive. I would suggest that you get a MC-compatible phono stage, to help future proof yourself. I know the SimAudio LP3 is MC-compatible, but I'm not sure about the Gram Slee one.

Another one to investigate (if your budget will stretch this far) is the Allnic H-1200. A tubed phono stage, it has both MC and MM inputs.

I was wanting to stay with a moving coil, but it seems that the Graham Slee Amp2 seems to be the more popular unit. Because of that I kind of got introduced the the Dynavector cart since it is a MC, but high output so it would work with the MM Slee. Trying to get the best of both worlds. I will do some more reading on the Amp 3 though.

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

I have the Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE and for it's price range it's amazing. Tons of online reviews you can take a look at. My setup is a Music Hall MMF 5.1, Grado Platinum Reference.

Plenty of high output MC carts out there to experiment with that are fully compatible with the Slee.

I am actually upgrading from the MH 5.1. I might end up using the Gram Slee with the Music Hall for a while to see how I like it and gather the funds for the TecnoDec.

[jlafrenz]

Well after a bit more thinking and talking to a dealer, the Joldia phono stage has come into play. Just wondered what peoples thoughts were about it against the Graham Slee?

[CasualKiller]

Think it's a company out of Maryland or something like that, was a discussion about them on Canuck Audio Mart awhile ago. No comment on it, I've never heard anything from them, if you have a chance to audition I'd say go for it.

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Think it's a company out of Maryland or something like that, was a discussion about them on Canuck Audio Mart awhile ago. No comment on it, I've never heard anything from them, if you have a chance to audition I'd say go for it.

I am familiar with them and own a couple pieces of gear (FX10 integrated and DAC) in my 2 channel room. I like the gear that I own and had considered it. Both brands seem to be well reviewed. Tough call, though I do like the flexibility of the Jolida and the ability to tube roll.

[btf1980]

Stick with the Simaudio LP3. It's built off the more expensive LP5.3 technology. The key difference being that it doesn't have balanced outputs. It's more robust than the Graham Slee. I have used them both. The LP3 is a very good bargain.

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by btf1980

Stick with the Simaudio LP3. It's built off the more expensive LP5.3 technology. The key difference being that it doesn't have balanced outputs. It's more robust than the Graham Slee. I have used them both. The LP3 is a very good bargain.

Thanks for the response. I have talked to a few dealers and seem to get mixed reviews about which one to get. That doesn't surprise me though since it is very subjective by nature. I was told that the Jolida would have that larger and more 3-D sound stage. One dealer did say to go for the Simaudio, but couldn't really explain why. Have you had the opportunity to hear the Jolida?

[btf1980]

Never heard the jolida before.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

Thanks for the response. I have talked to a few dealers and seem to get mixed reviews about which one to get. That doesn't surprise me though since it is very subjective by nature. I was told that the Jolida would have that larger and more 3-D sound stage. One dealer did say to go for the Simaudio, but couldn't really explain why. Have you had the opportunity to hear the Jolida?

The only way to be sure is to audition both, preferably in your own system.

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by richteer

The only way to be sure is to audition both, preferably in your own system.

I would love too, but they are not offered locally. I have to order them online and the return policy isn't very friendly (but the prices are).

[jlafrenz]

Still looking for some thoughts on these stages if anyone has any it would be much appreciated.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I am familiar with them and own a couple pieces of gear (FX10 integrated and DAC) in my 2 channel room. I like the gear that I own and had considered it. Both brands seem to be well reviewed. Tough call, though I do like the flexibility of the Jolida and the ability to tube roll.

You may have answered your own question here.

John

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by John72953

You may have answered your own question here.

John

Very true. That has been on my mind a lot while reading reviews and trying to compare units.