Editors’ Choice: Best Phonostages Under $2,000

The Mani is one of the most cost-effective phono preamps on the market. It has four gain settings and two loading options via DIP switches on the bottom and works equally well with both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. The Mani delivers wonderful soundstage depth while keeping the noise floor to a minimum. It handles even complex music with grace and toe-tapping fun. DK, 286

The SOTA Pyxi is an mm/mc phonostage with lots of flexibility. It comes in a compact case that will easily fit in any cabinet. The sound is beautifully neutral, almost to the point of vanishing from a given system. Between the large number of loading options and its incredible price point, the Pyxi does so much more than its diminutive size might suggest. This is the phonostage for anyone on the hunt for great sound that will work with a wide range of cartridges and won’t destroy a budget. DK, 346

Renowned recording experts at Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs have taken the plunge into manufacturing analog hardware: two turntables and two companion phonostages, including the $349 StudioPhono. Tim de Paravicini lent a hand with designing the internal circuitry. Features include adjustable gain and loading for mm and mc cartridges, a mono setting, and a subsonic filter. Clean and compact, it complements tables sonically and visually. JM, 284

This little marvel’s compact size and low cost are made possible using operational amplifiers. Frank van Alstine’s vision was to select the best-sounding modern ICs and he eventually settled on the highly regarded Burr-Brown OPA627 op-amps. The circuit features a flexible mc-cartridge loading scheme. Expect plenty of low-level detail, a strong bass range, and superior dynamic contrasts. Transient speed and control can only be described as excellent. Tonal colors are somewhat muted through the upper midrange, suggesting that the Vision Q should ideally be matched with a romantic-sounding tube preamp. DO, 260 (new “+” version not yet reviewed)

For anyone trying to assemble a high-performance phono system on a reasonable budget (under $5k), the PHO-500 could be the ideal choice, since it delivers a high-quality, low-noise signal that can easily be mated with a wide variety of high-performance front ends. You also get the added benefit of a device that allows you to record your most treasured LPs at 96/24 resolution. With its external outboard power supply, the Vincent PHO-500 ranks as the quietest phono preamplifier SS has reviewed, regardless of price. SS, 313

The iFi iPhono 3 is a long, relatively thin, compact rectangle, with small dipswitches on the bottom. The input connections are at one end, and the outputs are at the other. It’s as unassuming as a phonostage can be, but that simplicity hides a surprising flexibility. The iPhono features loading options from 22 ohms on up to 47k ohms, with six stops between, and either 36, 48, 60, or 72dB of gain. Its low end is hefty, mids are smooth, and upper registers really sparkle. The dynamics are extra tight and shimmery, likely due to the iPhono’s very low background noise. Highly recommended. DK, 317

The culmination of phonostages Mike Yee has been designing for Musical Surroundings since the late nineties, the Phonomena III now boasts parts, circuitry, and sonic performance superior to every previous version without deviating from the original’s two constants: one, the widest choice of loading options for moving-coil pickups and capacitance options for moving magnets, plus gain options; two, a sonic profile that places a high priority upon tonal neutrality. Sonically, the III has a wider dynamic window, lower noise, and greater headroom, gain, transparency, detail, and resolution, with a new-found impression of roundedness, dimensionality, and density of tone and body. As for versatility, it’s doubtful there’s a phono pickup on the market it can’t optimally match for loading, gain, and/or capacitance. An optional Linear Power Supply raises the performance in key areas (notably noise and dynamic range). Either way, it displaces previous versions as TAS reviewer Paul Seydor’s reference. PS, 353

Norwegian-based Hegel’s first phonostage is a winner. The sound is remarkably detailed, open, and full-bodied. Plenty of mm and mc cartridge loading and gain settings are offered. The V10 is highly musical and “audiophile competent,” to a degree that makes it an obvious audition choice for anyone seeking a phonostage close to the $1500–$2000 range—and possibility higher. KM, 320

The Chord Huei is a compact black rectangle, with four glowing lights bumped up along the front that control loading options. The Huei includes gain steps from 49dB up to 70dB with six total stops in between for the mc section, and 21dB to 42dB with six stops for the mm section. Loading allows for 100 ohms up to 3700 ohms for mc, and 47k ohms for mm. Sonically, the low end is solid and the mids very smooth; the overall presentation is on the warm end of the spectrum. DK, 317

The solid-state PH-10 (and matching optional PSU-10 power supply) is a half-width component, which makes for easy and flexible placement in or on top of a cabinet or rack. Fit and finish are excellent. All functions (EQ curves, impedance loading, gain) can be adjusted and confirmed via a front-panel TFT display on-the-fly, while playing music. Its overall presentation is transparent and neutral (with a slightly warm tone and a weighty midrange). Some phonostages pursue “absolute technical objectivity” as their goal. The PH-10 is all about the music. If you’re a “truth-seeker,” there are other products to choose from, but if you’re a “pleasure-seeker,” then the PH-10 is for you. SS, 305