Alternative phono stage for Rega P8 with Ania Pro MC (not Aria Mk3 or Graham Slee Reflex C)

[early]

Thanks for this. Which Whest model was it?

It was the "two.2 discrete" .
However I believe low noise is common amongst all Whest stages .

 

[Peter McDermott]

Hi @early thanks for that, I'll have a look

 

[Mr Pig]

Just a by the way. As far as I am aware, all three versions of the Aria are the same except for the casework which was changed to match the rest of the product range.

 

[Seanm]

Did you not want to try the Accession MC? It is only slightly above your budget, but with a few more posts on their forum, you can get a 10% discount.

I had an Aria for a long time and ultimately replaced it with an Accession, it’s very good.

Surprised the Aria’s noisy though.

 

[Fergus]

@Fergus thanks for the link, very interesting website. Have you tried one of his phono stages?

Yes, I started with the Spartan S5 then the Spartan S15 and finally took the leap and bought the MM Pro. All are very good and perform above their respective price points.

 

[Peter McDermott]

Thanks @Fergus

 

[Peter McDermott]

Hi @JTC which Whest was it for you?

 

[Fergus]

So, I was wondering if anyone had experience of using other phono stages with the P8/Ania Pro

I hadn’t noticed this in your first post and have to say I’ve never used that turntable, or any Rega. The Michael Fidler offerings are still good phono stages worth considering anyway I would say.

 

[Peter McDermott]

No worries @Fergus I'd not come across this brand before so much appreciated.

 

[Boris the madcap]

I use a densen dp drive xs,
Completely silent.
0 issues.

 

[JTC]

Hi @JTC which Whest was it for you?

Whest Two.2 dual mono. Far from their TOTL but easily better than the Aria it replaced. I knew within one track when I borrowed it

 

[matt j]

Not heard the Slee, but as mentioned a P75 is usually a good place to start.

 

[Dean Jordan]

I would highly recommend a gold note ph5 if you can demo one in your system. Only rega cartridge I have used it with is a carbon lol. But with hana sl and audio technica at33sa it was really nice.

Good luck

 

[Peter McDermott]

Thank you to all so far, I have a list to look through.

Does anyone have any experience with Leema phono stages, including the Elements Ultra model? I ask because the dealer I bought the Rega from also stocks Leema. I'm going to have a chat with them about the level of hiss/white noise in any case.

 

[barryb]

I'd heartily recommend the Schitt Mani 2. It's diminutive and relatively inexpensive so may take a leap of faith to overcome bias, but I've had Whest, various GS, and various step-ups through here and it can compete with any of them. Personally, I actually preferred it to some of them.

https://www.schiit.com/products/mani

 

[Peter McDermott]

Looks as if the dealer will be replacing the Rega Aria, as they agree it should not be as noisy. To be fair they've taken my word for it so very good service.

In the meantime I'm tying out the in-built phono stage of the Demon PMA2500NE (MC) and it's pretty good.

https://manuals.denon.com/PMA2500NE/EU/EN/OBAOSYxljoeltq.php

 

[gerlando]

1.

[FS] - Tom Evans Microgroove+ Serviced and tested by Tom Evans

Tom Evans MC phono stage 100R 0.4mV. This was serviced and tested by Tom in Feb 2023 (paperwork available) and not used since apart from plugging it in to check it. I've owned it from new and used with great success with Ortofon Kontrapunkt and Cadenza carts before I upgraded to a Groove SRX...

pinkfishmedia.net

2.

Whest Audio whestTWO Phono Stage - 2ndhandhifi | Used Hifi

Manufacturer : Whest Audio Model : whestTWO Serial Number : 620 Packaging : N/A Accessories Included : PSU Price When New :

2ndhandhifi.co.uk

3.

For Sale - MOON 110 LP phono mm/mc

For someone looking for a very decent phono stage w/o breaking the bank. 175£

www.hifiwigwam.com

 

[Mr Pig]

I've had the Moon, and the previews model. I don't think they're very great and I wouldn't bother with them.

 

[Mr Pig]

Looks as if the dealer will be replacing the Rega Aria, as they agree it should not be as noisy. To be fair they've taken my word for it so very good service.

Seems a bit silly when so many things can cause hum. My bet is they find nothing wrong with it.

 

[Robert]

Rothwell Rialto performs well and has mm/mc - better on mm and paired with their MCX transformer if using MC.