Which MM/MC phonostage 'around' £1000?

[rockmeister]

Context. New valve amp (Leben 600) has no phonostage, so.

Old amp, Luxman 505 had one such which I was quite happy with...clean, neutral sound, said to be equivalent of something in the suggested price range, so I need to replace it.

System at present is Palmer 2.5 / SME M2-9, and a variety of cartridges up to 1500 odd quids worth. Hana ML is likely to be the main contender, but also an MM exists for use on 'older' (cough) records.
Leben 600 valve amp and Tannoy 12" MG drivers in home made cabinets.

At present, very very clean and revealing sound, which I don't want to 'clean up' any further, so overly analytical phonostages are out. Nor do I want to pour cream over anything. Just let it pass on whats on the recording and that's fine.

One caveat. I have a tiny area to fit it on. about 22 x22cm footprint, so wide units (or long, like the EAR) won't work.

My research so far brings up a list of names, but I know none of them, which is where I hope you lot can guide me. Thus:

Project Phono Box DS2
Musical Fidelity MX VYNL
Graham Slee something (does he do a MM/MC?)
Unison Research U Phono +
Chord Huei
Hegel V10

Well there it is chaps. Guidance please! Thanks.

 

[Von Krolock]

Hi mate,

Yorkshireman Graham Slee tells it like it is & this is reflected in his products.
A universal MM/MC stage is not a thing with Graham and the Accession in MM or MC form is quite lovely.
The MM version with Elevator step up for MC is good.

 

[alby]

I have an MX Vynl which I am happy with , but did try a vertere on a demo and loved it , but for my system I could not justify the extra cost.
Alby

 

[lazycat]

I'm using an Avid Pellar. Does both and you can load the MC to your choice.

It was an upgrade from my GS Era v Gold/PSU1 and recommended.

 

[Theo]

How about the Exposure XM3?

https://exposurehifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/XM3PhonoAmplifier_HiFiNews_June_2017_lowres.pdf

 

[bandit pilot]

Tricorn diablo maybe?

 

[ClassikFan]

Chord Huei would be my choice. Hope to purchase one myself before too long.

 

[Vincent52]

There have been a couple of other threads on here recently. Mine at circa £500 and another one at circa £1500, so there may be some ideas there. I also found a couple of useful threads on pfm.

 

[rockmeister]

I'm using an Avid Pellar. Does both and you can load the MC to your choice.

It was an upgrade from my GS Era v Gold/PSU1 and recommended.

On the list if it’s not too long.

 

[rockmeister]

I have an MX Vynl which I am happy with , but did try a vertere on a demo and loved it , but for my system I could not justify the extra cost.
Alby

Sadly too wide for my space.

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

EAR834P or derivative

 

[kernow]

EAR834P or derivative

Used ear phonobox even

 

[rockmeister]

EAR834P or derivative

sadly the space is still about 22 x 22...the ear is 32 and then space for plugs.

 

[rockmeister]

Chord Huei would be my choice. Hope to purchase one myself before too long.

Love the looks! At least it has character...some nice reviews too..have you heard one Classik?

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

I get that the EAR won't fit in your existing slot but I think you need to re-think your layout & space requirements.

 

[kernow]

I get that the EAR won't fit in your existing slot but I think you need to re-think your layout & space requirements.

Yes, yes he does.

 

[Vincent52]

Not necessarily easy. The space could well be the space! A new rack is always a possibility. 😂

 

[lazycat]

On the list if it’s not too long.

It is too long. 22cm without plugs/leads.

 

[kernow]

It is too long. 22cm

My girlfriend left me for the exact same reason

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

Not necessarily easy. The space could well be the space! A new rack is always a possibility. 😂

I've found you can always find space. Even if it means you have to kick the other half out