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Re: need phono stage advice

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I just did a shootout between several moderately priced phono stages. They were the McCormack, the Black Cube, and the Phonomena. In short, the Phonomena was far and away the most musical of the three. The McCormack and the Black Cube got alot of the "hi-fi" things right such as airiness, quickness, and soundstage depth, but were musically flat, delivering none of the subtle harmonic texture so necessary for conveying the subtlety of performance.

Each of these stages are not the cheapest around. The McCormack and the Phonomena retail for $600 while the Black Cube retails for $695. The Phonomena and Black Cube are each coming out with optional power supplies which will improve their sound. Usually, an improved power supply adds added dynamics and ease. The Black Cube doesn't lack this so this is gilding the lily there. The Phonomena, already quite musical, will be greatly enhanced if there are added dynamics and ease, quite possibly upgrading it to a first class phono stage, competing with top class.

If you can afford the Phonomena, it is significantly better than the others and those stages below it. If you can't, something like Parasound's or Creek's will be adequate, but will be limiting in the future (IMHO).


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Topic - need phono stage advice - cabrachian 08:45:58 01/11/01 ( 4)