Phono Stage Upgrade Help

[joe1515]

Hello I am looking to upgrade my phono preamp. Since many of you helped me with the build of my current system, I appreciate and value your feedback. I currently have the Pro-Ject Phono Box Se II. My budget is no more than $2,500.

I am currently thinking of the Audio Research PH5 or the Ayre P-5xe.

What interests me about the Audio Research is that it is a Hybrid Pre amp and I am intrigued of introducing tubes into my system. The Ayre interest’s me because of it's transparency.

Thanks,

Joe

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Hello I am looking to upgrade my phono preamp. Since many of you helped me with the build of my current system, I appreciate and value your feedback. I currently have the Pro-Ject Phono Box Se II. My budget is no more than $2,500.

I am currently thinking of the Audio Research PH5 or the Ayre P-5xe.

What interests me about the Audio Research is that it is a Hybrid Pre amp and I am intrigued of introducing tubes into my system. The Ayre interest’s me because of it transparency.

Thanks,

Joe

Wow, a nice position to be in! I've not heard them, but ARC PH5 has a solid reputation. Other options to consider at this price level include the Sim Audio LP 5.3 (perhaps with the optional external PSU) and the Sutherland Hubble.

I'm trying to figure out how to get an ARC PH7 into my system, so I know the "problem" you're facing! :-)

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Hello I am looking to upgrade my phono preamp. Since many of you helped me with the build of my current system, I appreciate and value your feedback. I currently have the Pro-Ject Phono Box Se II. My budget is no more than $2,500.

I am currently thinking of the Audio Research PH5 or the Ayre P-5xe.

What interests me about the Audio Research is that it is a Hybrid Pre amp and I am intrigued of introducing tubes into my system. The Ayre interest’s me because of it transparency.

Thanks,

Joe

Hey Joe!

Man, if I had $2500 to spend on a phono preamp I'd feel compelled to give this one a very long look.

http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/fosgate.html

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Hey Joe!

Man, if I had $2500 to spend on a phono preamp I'd feel compelled to give this one a very long look.

http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/fosgate.html

Hi Fred,

Ya I was looking at this the other day. Maybe I'm just being stupid but I think I would have a time purchasing because the designer is Fosgate and it will always remind me of car audio

[CasualKiller]

With a budget like that I'd go for a Blue Circle 707 and Analysis Plus phono cables:




I wish I found myself with the problems you're having lol.

[mdabb]

Check out EAR Yoshino.

http://www.ear-yoshino.com/products.php?catId=6#

Although you have one hell of an AVR, moderately priced separates or integrateds (doesn't have to be expensive) will go above and beyond even the best of AVR's. I don't intend this to be an insult against AVR's, it's just that AVR's are really busy, compromises are made, & AVR's end up being a " jack of all trades, master of none" component that can put limitations on analog sources. Even when a great phono-pre is mated with a great AVR, the performance will still fall behind that of even modest 2ch setups. Add to the fact that you are considering a tube stage, those very tube characteristics very well may be void by what goes on in even the best of AVR's.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Although you have one hell of an AVR, moderately priced separates or integrateds (doesn't have to be expensive) will go above and beyond even the best of AVR's. I don't intend this to be an insult against AVR's, it's just that AVR's are really busy, compromises are made, & AVR's end up being a " jack of all trades, master of none" component that can put limitations on analog sources. Even when a great phono-pre is mated with a great AVR, the performance will still fall behind that of even modest 2ch setups. Add to the fact that you are considering a tube stage, those very tube characteristics very well may be void by what goes on in even the best of AVR's.

+1. A dedicated 2-channel integrated amp (or better, preamp and power amp separates, albeit at a bigger cost) will probably trounce an AVR in (or above) the same price bracket.

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by richteer

+1. A dedicated 2-channel integrated amp (or better, preamp and power amp separates, albeit at a bigger cost) will probably trounce an AVR in (or above) the same price bracket.

I agree with everything you are saying, however I don't have the budget. I am really stretching to get to $2,500. Can I get their with a combination of 2 channel integrated amp and possilby the sim audio moon LP5 phono preamp (retails for around $1,400)? I guess the main question is can I buy a decent integrated amp for around $1,000 (I would think the answer is no)?

Plus I want to upgrade the weekest link in my system and I feel that is my phono pre amp.

Joe

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

I agree with everything you are saying, however I don't have the budget. I am really stretching to get to $2,500. Can I get their with a combination of 2 channel integrated amp and possilby the sim audio moon LP5 phono preamp (retails for around $1,400)? I guess the main question is can I buy a decent integrated amp for around $1,000 (I would think the answer is no)?

Plus I want to upgrade the weekest link in my system and I feel that is my phono pre amp.

Joe

It would be tight squeeze, but yes, I think you could swing a Moon LP5.3 phono stage and a decent integrated amp for your $2500. I've not heard it myself, but Simaudio's Moon i.5 (or better if you can stretch to it, their Moon i-1) is very well received. If you're buying them together, I would expect your dealer would be very accommodating with respect to price.

The great thing with this combo is that it offers plenty of upgrade room should the desire and budget strike you. You can upgrade the LP5.3 with its matching PSX power supply, and even without the PSX it's good enough that you can go much further up the Simaudio amplifier chain, even into the separates eventually.

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by richteer

It would be tight squeeze, but yes, I think you could swing a Moon LP5.3 phono stage and a decent integrated amp for your $2500. I've not heard it myself, but Simaudio's Moon i.5 (or better if you can stretch to it, their Moon i-1) is very well received. If you're buying them together, I would expect your dealer would be very accommodating with respect to price.

The great thing with this combo is that it offers plenty of upgrade room should the desire and budget strike you. You can upgrade the LP5.3 with its matching PSX power supply, and even without the PSX it's good enough that you can go much further up the Simaudio amplifier chain, even into the separates eventually.

I think I would rather upgrade the integrated later on and use my funds to upgrading to a better a phono pre amp and then a better integrated pre amp down the road.

Plus the reason I bought the arcam was for 2 channel music.

Joe

[rded]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Check out EAR Yoshino.

http://www.ear-yoshino.com/products.php?catId=6#

Although you have one hell of an AVR, moderately priced separates or integrateds (doesn't have to be expensive) will go above and beyond even the best of AVR's. I don't intend this to be an insult against AVR's, it's just that AVR's are really busy, compromises are made, & AVR's end up being a " jack of all trades, master of none" component that can put limitations on analog sources. Even when a great phono-pre is mated with a great AVR, the performance will still fall behind that of even modest 2ch setups. Add to the fact that you are considering a tube stage, those very tube characteristics very well may be void by what goes on in even the best of AVR's.

Andrew,

I resent that!!!! And yes....I am getting an Integrated amp SOON!

Rhett

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

I think I would rather upgrade the integrated later on and use my funds to upgrading to a better a phono pre amp and then a better integrated pre amp down the road.

Plus the reason I bought the arcam was for 2 channel music.

Joe

Fair enough. The Moon LP5.3 would still be a great choice! Unless you can get a great deal on an ARC PH5...

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by richteer

Fair enough. The Moon LP5.3 would still be a great choice! Unless you can get a great deal on an ARC PH5...

That is where I am now, I have to audition them. On my plate to audtion is the Ayre P-5xe, SimAudio Moon LP5.3 and the Audio Research Ph5. I would love to add tubes into my system.

Joe

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hi Joe,

Do you mind if I stick my nose into this thead topic? You see, after just getting the new TT, I'm changing my upgrade focus for next year from a tube preamp (was looking at the Rogue Perseus) to a phono pre-amp and MC cartridge. However, I don't quite have the budget that you have. I'd be looking into something like $2,000 -$2,500 for both at most.

Mind if I hitch I ride?

John

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

That is where I am now, I have to audition them. On my plate to audtion is the Ayre P-5xe, SimAudio Moon LP5.3 and the Audio Research Ph5. I would love to add tubes into my system.

Joe

Cool! To be honest, you probably couldn't go wrong with any of those options (but the allure of tubes is always interesting). You're in an enviable situation!

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi Joe,

Do you mind if I stick my nose into this thead topic? You see, after just getting the new TT, I'm changing my upgrade focus for next year from a tube preamp (was looking at the Rogue Perseus) to a phono pre-amp and MC cartridge. However, I don't quite have the budget that you have. I'd be looking into something like $2,000 -$2,500 for both at most.

Mind if I hitch I ride?

John

Sure John no problem. The more the merrier!

[rded]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Sure John no problem. The more the merrier!

Hey Joe,

See if you can double your budget and just get an IA just like everyone says

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by rded

Hey Joe,

See if you can double your budget and just get an IA just like everyone says

Hi Red,

Ya, that's not going to happen. I decided to go the Arcam route as opposed to separates because of the cost. Nice try Your always trying to get me to spend more money

Joe

[FreddieFerric]

O.K. Joe, here ya go. Luxman has experienced a huge rebirth in recent years. This pre is undoubtedly all you would ever need or want.

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86553

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

O.K. Joe, here ya go. Luxman has experienced a huge rebirth in recent years. This pre is undoubtedly all you would ever need or want.

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86553

Thanks Fred. It has very nice features. I really like the mono feature, and the overload kill switch.

Joe