Question Three phono stage, which one ?

[BenWatts]

Dear members,

Now it’s time to reach the higher LP experience with a solid phono stage.

3 phono stage are now selected (compact, MM + MC, built in Europe).

Hegel V10 : average compact, all settings available, super silent phono stage, wide soundstage. Quitte new, poor feedback. People who have it are delighted (as usual).

Octave Phono EQ2: super compact, more plug and play than the Hegel. Less settings but the main ones are available. Super qualitative feedbacks. Well known. Proven quality.

Lehmann Decade: not compact because of 2 units, power supply appart, wide range of settings, well known and appreciated. Proven quality.

I can get one of them for 1k to 1.4K.

TT: Thorens TD-1500 with an MM for the moment (2M Bronze)
Amp : heed Obeslisk SI3 + x2 power supply

Listening habits : Jazz (Avishai Cohen, Patricia Barber, Hiromi, Brad Mellhdau, Bill Evans…), classical music (a lot of DG), sometimes some metal (Opeth, Dream Theater).

No tube !

Which one would you recommend?
Which one do you dislike and why?

Cannot listen to them.

Thanks in advance.

Happy listenings

 

[daytona600]

Lehmann Decade
Vertere PHONO-l MkII L
Trilogy 906i
AVID Pellar
Project phono box RS2
Soundsmith MCP2

 

[BenWatts]

Thanks for your proposal. The compact ones are on the short list. No room for large ones (Vertere…) despite its incredible tech specs.

 

[Al ears]

Not heard any of them but after doing research my money would go on the Octave, or if going down the MC route the Tom Evans Microgroove X mk2

 

[Revolutions]

Yeah, I did also think Tom Evans would be worth a look for mini phono pre.