phono stage recomendations

[Krabbler]

Hello,

I recently acquired a Klimax DSM on the used market leaving me with the need of a phono stage if I want to continue using my Majik LP12.
I was using the phono stage in my Akurate DSM before.

I am trying the Lehmann Black Cube SE II at the moment. It is very clear and accurate, but I am missing some warmth and body.

Any recommendations for a phono stage in the 1000 - 1500€ price range to bring the Linn sound back?

[petecallaghan]

For Moving Magnet:
Lejonklou Slipsik : it has been designed and tuned using the Tune Method (I use this)
Linn Euphorik: I expect it has the Linn sound! I have not heard it myself.

For Moving Coil:
Lejonklou Entity: as above, but for MC
Linn Urika: as above, but for MC

[Zee9]

Pete has some very good recommendations. I’m using an old Linto and prefer that for my Kandid over the MC phononstage in the Adsm/3 or the selekt (Utopik/Organik) and they are cheap on the used market. The entity is supposed to be fabulous from what I hear

[FangfossFlyer]

A relatively expensive option but worth listening to a Naim Superline with a SupercapDR power supply in my opinion.

Richard

[Andyt916]

Approx. 2-3 years back I picked up a, excellent condition, 2nd-hand Uphorik for about the middle of your price range. Not sure how readily available these are now but, if can you find one, I would suggest that it would tick all of your boxes.

[Tendaberry]

I agree with the posters above: Get a Lejonklou Slipsik or Entity, depending on your cartridge. Or maybe a second-hand Linn Uphorik, if you need/want more flexibility in the cartridge choice.

[Moomintroll]

For Moving Magnet:
Lejonklou Slipsik : it has been designed and tuned using the Tune Method (I use this)
Linn Euphorik: I expect it has the Linn sound! I have not heard it myself.

For Moving Coil:
Lejonklou Entity: as above, but for MC
Linn Urika: as above, but for MC

The “drawback” with the Urika is that it requires a Radikal to power it. Although fitting a Radikal to a Majik LP12 would also be a great upgrade.

[Ian_km]

Pete has some very good recommendations. I’m using an old Linto and prefer that for my Kandid over the MC phononstage in the Adsm/3 or the selekt (Utopik/Organik) and they are cheap on the used market. The entity is supposed to be fabulous from what I hear

Agreed, I prefer my Kandid through Linto, over my Selekt Edition MC phonostage. Getting on a bit now, so probably a Uphorik if you can find one at a decent price.

[Krabbler]

Hello,

sorry that I did not mention it right away. I am using an MM Adikt.

The Lejonklou Slipsik looks promising. Especially the small footprint is pleasing

An Uphorik would probably be perfect, but I dont't know how long I want to wait for a used one be on the market for a fair price.

Naim would be nice, but not in the budget at the moment.

THX for all the suggestions.

[Andyt916]

Hello,

sorry that I did not mention it right away. I am using an MM Adikt.

The Lejonklou Slipsik looks promising. Especially the small footprint is pleasing

An Uphorik would probably be perfect, but I dont't know how long I want to wait for a used one be on the market for a fair price.

Naim would be nice, but not in the budget at the moment.

THX for all the suggestions.

Given your current situation, I had thought that a used Uphorik would be the perfect solution. But, as you say, how long do you wait for one?

I had a quick check in the UK market and could only find two, each at ~EURO 2,000. Perhaps i should sell mine: would turn a tidy profit

[Nestor Turton]

While I haven't personally experienced Lejonklou kit, their phono stages are reputedly optimised for the Linn Adikt cartridge, making them a compelling option. Personally, I'm thoroughly satisfied with my Linn phono stages; however, they can be quite an investment for a Majik LP12 setup. For a high-quality alternative, the Dynavector P75 is worth considering.​

The P75 is compatible with MM and MC cartridges and features the innovative Phono Enhancer mode, designed by Dr. Tominari. This mode enhances the performance of low-output MC cartridges by optimising their magnetic field, resulting in a more musical and detailed sound. Adjustments for gain and loading are via internal jumpers, facilitating precise matching with various cartridges. The ultra-low noise SMPS operates at high frequencies, effectively eliminating hum and providing a clean audio signal. In my experience, the P75 delivers exceptional clarity and detail and was more musical than other non-Linn stages I've owned. It's worth noting while my P75 lacked capacitance adjustment for MM cartridges, the latest Mk4 addresses this with user-adjustable settings so should work well with your Adikt. If later on you moved to a Koil, it would still work well.

I can't say it's superior to other recommendations, but I relied on the P75 with DV20XL and DVXX2 for many years before transitioning to Urika and subsequently Urika II.​ It’s designed and manufactured in Australia and costs around £550.

[JensA]

Hello,

sorry that I did not mention it right away. I am using an MM Adikt.

The Lejonklou Slipsik looks promising. Especially the small footprint is pleasing

An Uphorik would probably be perfect, but I dont't know how long I want to wait for a used one be on the market for a fair price.

Naim would be nice, but not in the budget at the moment.

THX for all the suggestions.

Hi Krabbler,

I am extremely happy with the Lejonklou Slipsik as preamp for my LP12 (2023 model with Krane & Adikt). It‘s the latest Slipsik version, ordered it via my Linn dealer. For 2nd hand units pls have a look at the Lejonklou forum.


Jens

[Rille]

I would like to draw your attention to the Teac PE-505.

https://eu.teac-audio.com/en-GLOBAL/aud ... r/p/248736

In my opinion, it is a nice compact device with sufficient customisation options. It also has two inputs and outputs, balanced and unbalanced.
It replaced an Urika for me because I wanted to use my LP12 more flexibly again. Personally, I wouldn't want to go back.
I would describe the sound as neutral, which is in no way to be understood as analytical or cool, but rather on the pleasantly colourful side, without being warm. Based on my experience so far, this is a phono preamp that really highlights the differences and qualities of the connected cartridges.

[Coyote Jim]

Hello,

I recently acquired a Klimax DSM on the used market leaving me with the need of a phono stage if I want to continue using my Majik LP12.
I was using the phono stage in my Akurate DSM before.

I am trying the Lehmann Black Cube SE II at the moment. It is very clear and accurate, but I am missing some warmth and body.

Any recommendations for a phono stage in the 1000 - 1500€ price range to bring the Linn sound back?

Might be a second hand interest to some but the link specifies not currently available.

[petecallaghan]

Hello,

sorry that I did not mention it right away. I am using an MM Adikt.

The Lejonklou Slipsik looks promising. Especially the small footprint is pleasing

An Uphorik would probably be perfect, but I dont't know how long I want to wait for a used one be on the market for a fair price.

Naim would be nice, but not in the budget at the moment.

THX for all the suggestions.

I just spotted a trade-in Slipsik 7 advertised on the Lejonklou forum here: https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 825#p75825

I don't have any connection with the seller but thought it might be of interest to you. The current Slipsik version is 8.0, and is a definite step up in musicality from the 7, but I have owned both and been happy with both.

[El Exigente]

Hello,

I recently acquired a Klimax DSM on the used market leaving me with the need of a phono stage if I want to continue using my Majik LP12.
I was using the phono stage in my Akurate DSM before.

I am trying the Lehmann Black Cube SE II at the moment. It is very clear and accurate, but I am missing some warmth and body.

Any recommendations for a phono stage in the 1000 - 1500€ price range to bring the Linn sound back?

You don’t need to spend that much for a really good phono stage.

If you don’t mind buying used, there are plenty of options at sensible prices. These are listings from US Audiomart:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/classifieds ... mplifiers/


Also look at reviews in print and on line media. Here’s a new phono stage that looks good:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/foru ... iew.61993/

Have a look at the chart for more reviews:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/foru ... ng.442294/

Lastly, if you are so inclined you can DIY some outstanding phono stages. Have a look at DIYaudio.com. Here’s one example:

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/thre ... mp.358956/

This one will cost you about US$ 400 to build.
Edit. If you don’t want to DIY it is also available ready made from the designer. It has both MM and MC inputs.