Thank youFantastic debating skills you have there.
Phono Stage recommendations
- Thread starter rmcin626
- Start date
Thank you for contribution , not
karma67
pfm Member
lol hi mate,you might be pleasantly surprised if you listened to my BB3 now its got some hours on it and decent valves.
divedeepdog
pfm Member
It’s funny, Ive got Brooks Vida, and a Paradise and recently had BB3 on loan off a friend. I wouldn’t sell either of my own in favour of BB, but that’s my ears and my system
That’s not saying BB is bad, comparing new it’s a bargain against £3k+ Vida, but we often use uneven playing field and compare new vs 2nd hand. Then ( for me at least) I’ll keep Vida…
That’s not saying BB is bad, comparing new it’s a bargain against £3k+ Vida, but we often use uneven playing field and compare new vs 2nd hand. Then ( for me at least) I’ll keep Vida…
divedeepdog
pfm Member
That one goes without saying, but as a primarily DIY product I prefer to compare to Vida as it’s a fixed spec commercial product. I’m lucky enough to know 3 Paradises fairly well, they’re slightly different, albeit built by SQ. Still the reference for me.
yeah i wont sell my paradise either
always opened to some listening Jamie but Vida is long gone now (new owner is over the moon btw ) , hopefully sometimes next year as we're going away in a week time .
I'm working on a bit of room correction atm, I might even integrate a subwoofer or two as I have bit of a hole around 70Hz and possibly i'll try to relieve my amplifier a bit from all hard work . Unfortunately bigger amplifier didn't work wonders and it's been returned after a few days but I'm still tempted with something different , we'll see .
If you need any of your valves checked/tested give me a shout .
BTW as you know I really liked BB3 and I think is definitely worth trying
You jammy so and so! I paid full price and it was worth every penny! Also comparison demo with the next step up in the Avid line of phono pre amps and this was certainly the sweet spot as far as i was concerned. makes the Acutus, SME v, Sumiko sing like a Songbird/Blackbird/Starling haha!
.Only the messing about with bottom mounted dip switches detracts.
Orbe Chaser
pfm Member
Exactly Mark, your own ears are the ultimate decider. Incidentally I still love the Vida, it will always be looked on fondly by me after the time Ian's was wired into Lurchs' system a couple of years ago, the look on everyone's faces who were there was priceless. The reason I started looking elsewhere was that a decent £500 ish SUT or Head amp improved it, some might say that isn't surprising but I expect better from a £3k plus phono stage.
I still haven't actually heard a Paradise yet, I expect it to be very good so we shall see.
yuckyamson
pfm Member
I'd strongly suggest the PS Audio Stellar phono which is right around in your price bracket. It's received rave reviews from many publications.
Now, bear in mind, it is from a company who's head designer "...doesn't know what the hell he's talking about..." according to several experts of this Parish...I mean he's had the audacity to design speakers that they can't afford and are judgement-worth, unheard, but that being said, perhaps some of the audio press might be trusted.
;-)
Now, bear in mind, it is from a company who's head designer "...doesn't know what the hell he's talking about..." according to several experts of this Parish...I mean he's had the audacity to design speakers that they can't afford and are judgement-worth, unheard, but that being said, perhaps some of the audio press might be trusted.
;-)
At £2.5k that one is above my budget
yuckyamson
pfm Member
Oh, I guess with current exchange it is. I was thinking more based on previous pound/dollar exchange.
vinylmonkey
pfm Member
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's heard the PS Audio Stellar, and whether it lives up to the Fremer review - @yuckyamson do you have one?
Fudgemaster
pfm Member
You ought to have a word with Jez Arkless and try his amp.
Can't argue with that.