Valve phono stage.

[horace]

Having splashed out on some valve amps and mortgaged the budgie on nice speakers, I find myself in need of a phono stage (my previous preamp had one built in).

As I have time before funds recover, I thought I'd ask a few questions.

I've heard the EE Minimax phono and liked it a lot. It has the advantage of not needing external SUT, but a used one will stretch the budget (£500 max unless I'm willing to save for longer).

I've read good things about the Pure Sound P10 and could probably afford a used one and a reasonable SUT to go with it.

Beyond that, I'm not sure.

My current amps are Icon Audio LA3 with MB90 mk1 monos.

The only valve phono stage I've owned is an EAR834P, which never really impressed me - I found it rather dull and flat (just as well, as I couldn't afford one now).

I'm tempted to save hard for a used minimax, as I know I'll like it. I'd be grateful for opinions on how it compares with the P10 and others (Icon Audio perhaps).

My current cartridges are ATOC9 (my favourite) and Denon 103.

Cheers

Martin

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

[RSand]

I quite liked the minimax when I heard it in my system compared to my trichord dino+. However I bought a separate SUT (Hashimoto HM3) and paired with the dino+ using the MM setting sounded better than the minimax. My SUT into the minimax MM stage would be an interesting listen though.

So going down the 2 box route SUT/MM phono will give you more options in future, that being said there is nothing to stop you improving on its internas SUT at a later stage if desired.

 

[vacdac]

Hi Martin,

I'm also a fan of the OC9ml ii having recently bought a BNIB second one which I have already broken in & mounted on a Sumiko H/Shell. Works a treat with my Icon PS 1.2 with built in SUT's. Also very good with the other AT LOMC's I have (AT F3iii/AT33EV & also my Ortofon Rondo Red. Well worth tube Rolling with this stage too, although the JJ's ecc83's that Icon supply as a 'Factory upgrade' are pretty good. I currently have Genelec Gold Lion Reissues for the ecc83 & a Mullard CV4024/M8162 for the ecc81.

 

[Von Krolock]

I tried an Icon PS3 & a Minimax in my system a couple of years ago & ended up buying the Eastern Electric

although there wasn't much in it.

The EE seemed to have a slightly more open, 'vivid' sound than the PS3.

 

[awkwardbydesign]

I'm tempted to save hard for a used minimax, as I know I'll like it. I'd be grateful for opinions on how it compares with the P10 and others (Icon Audio perhaps).

My current cartridges are ATOC9 (my favourite) and Denon 103.

Cheers

Martin

I'd be interested in that comparison, too, as I have an OC9, among others.