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PS Audio GCPH, MS Phonomena II, or Sim LP3?

98.109.93.199
Posted on November 7, 2009 at 16:11:37
DrewK
 I've narrowed things dow to three phono preamps for use with a VPI Scout, Benz Micro ACE M, and SimAudio Moon I-5080 Integrated:

1. Used PS Audio GCPH (~ $650)
2. New Phonomena II ($600)
3. New Sim LP3 ($500)

The PS Audio is in the lead for me, as it is really a $1K preamp that can be had all day long for $650 or a little less. I figure that it can always be sold on Agon and not lose much. The MS Phonomena II has been getting some good press, and it is from the same family as the Benz. I can buy new with a 30 day return. The Sim would keep things in the same family as my Integrated, and is the least expensive of the bunch at $500 new.

I'm leaning towards option 1, but can't really get hurt with 1 or 2. Thoughts? Help!?? :)

RE: PS Audio GCPH, MS Phonomena II, or Sim LP3?, posted on November 9, 2009 at 18:05:04
radknee
Audiophile

Posts: 220
Joined: June 19, 2002
 I've owned both -- they're both good, but I decided to keep the GCPH (till I can scrape together enough for an Art Audio Vinyl One).

For the price, the LP3 is the best I've heard (paid $350 used). Very clean, quiet, musically engaging. The GCPH is more refined, has much more detail, and is more versatile. On the negative side it can sound a bit bloated at times.

No tubes???, posted on November 8, 2009 at 02:34:33
Opus 104
Audiophile

Posts: 2716
Location: Northern Virginia
Joined: June 13, 2008
Contributor
  Since: July 20, 2008
 1. Register. It lets us know what the rest of the system is comprised of.
2. when thinking of phono preamps, think tubes. A Hagerman Cornet 2, Wright Sound, Art Audio, et al can give you close to the very best without a high price tag.


"It was a dark and stormy night. I had taken a creative writing course." – Crow T. Robot, MST 3000.


RE: No tubes???, posted on November 10, 2009 at 13:14:38
Qman
Audiophile

Posts: 100
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 30, 2001
 Fi Yph phono stage. They come up used for $600 but get snatched up quickly. The PS Audio and Phonomena are lifeless compared to the fi.

Phonomena II, posted on November 7, 2009 at 18:57:32
jupiterboy
Audiophile

Posts: 315
Location: Western New York
Joined: June 7, 2009
Contributor
  Since: August 25, 2009
 I’ve had this customized but find it very nice in my system. To my ears it is musical, neutral, and revealing of details. Being able to adjust the gain and loading is of particular advantage, BUT I find the reviews tend to focus on the flexibility rather than the sound quality.

If you can audition it you might give it a try. The Reflex would be another alternative. I have EL34s on the output so I just need a clean, uncolored signal—unsweetened. No op-amps has proven this to be a good solution for me.

RE: PS Audio GCPH, MS Phonomena II, or Sim LP3?, posted on November 7, 2009 at 16:35:44
wgallupe
Audiophile

Posts: 362
Location: Boston
Joined: November 7, 2002
 I had an ACE SH with an LP3 and they sounded very good together. Would have kept the LP3 but found that the Graham Slee Era Gold V was a big improvement. I have no direct experience with the PS Audio unit but from what I have read, its sound is not realy in the $1000 class. Don't be fooled by its list price. There was a mini shootout between the PS Audio and Graham Slee recently by another inmate. You might want to search for that. The Phenomena II might be good to try. In any event, allof the units on your short list are good choices...

RE: PS Audio GCPH vs. Slee Gold V, posted on November 7, 2009 at 16:49:19
thegage
Audiophile

Posts: 791
Joined: April 29, 2000
 It is, often, system and listening tastes dependent. I had a Slee Era Gold V but found it sterile and uninvolving. The GCPH OTOH--admittedly the Underwood mod version-I find much richer and more musical. But what really matters is being able to demo it in your system with your gear. All in all someone else's opinion counts for very little.

John K.

RE: PS Audio GCPH vs. Slee Gold V, posted on November 7, 2009 at 22:04:03
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 11769
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I've heard that the modified GCPH is stellar but I had the stock PS Audio GCPH and decided to keep the Graham Slee Era Gold V. Of course the GCPH is much more versatile with MC/MM, adjustable gain and loading while the Era Gold V is dedicated to MM only. It's not that I didn't like the stock GCPH, but I found the Graham Slee to be more transparent and dynamic.

Unfortunately, the modified PS Audio GCPH are harder to find on the used market and same for the Graham Slee Era Gold V. The stock GCPH are always available for under $600 on Audiogon.

Oops!, posted on November 10, 2009 at 12:53:03
Drew K.
Audiophile

Posts: 69
Location: NJ
Joined: August 12, 2003
 Forgot to sign in when I posted originally. I am registered under this name (Drew K.). My system is:

Integrated: Sim Audio Moon I-5080
TT: VPI Scout
Cart: Benz Micro ACE S (M)
Phono Stage: Rotel 970RQ
Speakers: Vandersteen 2CE Sig
Cabling: Kimber 4VS
Interconnects: Kimber Timbre and PBJ
CD: Rega Planet 2000

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