Phono pre-amps

[madmax]

Hey guys, I finally got my Manley Steelhead phono preamp! It is everything I thought it would be so the other two I tried are up for sale. Both are pretty much new. Maybe 3 hours on the Jolida and about 20 hours on the Acoustech. Neither are even broken in. They go on Agon next week if no one wants them.

Jolida JD9. $400 shipped. Normally $500 plus shipping.

Acoustech. $1000 shipped. Normally $1500 plus shipping.

You can read about the Jolida on their site or the Acoustech at www.acousticsounds.com site. The Jolida is a little less refined than the Acoustech but has a selectable very high output level, full bodied sound and tube output. The Acoustech is about as good as you can do unless you are willing to get into the $3K+ range. BTW, it IS the premium edition. A Stereophile favorite.

madmax

Both units are pretty much new as I described.

[RuSsMaN]

Both do MM or MC?

[madmax]

Yes. both handle MM or MC cartridges and of course they provide different settings to match the individual cart. The Jolida has two outputs, pre-tube output and tube stage output. With the phono pre-amps I have found you get what you pay for. I could have been perfectly happy with the Jolida, until I heard the Acoustech. I could have been happy with the Acoustech, until I heard the Steelhead. At this point I refuse to listen to the Boulder ($60K) no matter what!
madmax

[BlueMDPicker]

If the Acoustech isn't gone before my PS Audio GCPH arrives, I'd love to have a mini shoot-out side by side. Very close on features/specs. The GCPH has balanced outs.

[madmax]

No problem.
madmax

[Tour2ma]

Is the Acoutech model number "PH-1"?

[madmax]

Is the Acoutech model number "PH-1"?

No, it is the PH-1P. The one with the gold pc boards.
madmax

[Tour2ma]

Ah.... the "Pimped out" model...

Gracias...

[reeltrouble1]

Well, let me officially express my interest and see where or how I can squeeze any more dollars out for the Acoutech.

RT1

[madmax]

Well, let me officially express my interest and see where or how I can squeeze any more dollars out for the Acoutech.

RT1

I have an easy payment plan... :)
madmax

[reeltrouble1]

10-4 on that. Wrap that cadillac and call me Big Poppa Pimp Daddy!!!!

PM to you Chuck.

RT1

[madmax]

OK Big Poppa Pimp Daddy, the Caddy's being wrapped as we speak. Acoustech sold to Pimp Daddy!
PM sent.

Still got the Jolida for sale if anyone is interested.
It's not a slacker, believe me.

madmax

[reeltrouble1]

Well thanks to MM the Acoustech is on its way and I am excited about getting it into the rack, Why, well here is an excerpt from a review.

People get ready:
Both the Linn Linto phono preamplifier and the AcousTech Electronics PH-1 phono preamplifier personify what the High End is all about. Both offer superior engineering in the service of music reproduction, and both provide sound quality that would have been inconceivable at any price a scant five years ago.

No one could call them cheap, but you can spend a lot more than either one costs and not achieve better sound quality. Of course, there are more expensive units out there that do offer better sound, but you'd have to spend considerably more to obtain a musically significant improvement.

I like 'em both, and recommend both without reservation. Technology serving art is what the High End is all about. If you're looking to improve the sound of your record-playing system, you should listen to these two units first. It could be a while before you'll need to look any further.


Thanks again and someone should really jump on the Jolida.

RT1

[madmax]

This is an article on the original PH1. (not the PH1P, notice it doesn't have the gold board, it has the green soldermask)

http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/acoustech.htm

I was looking for the original stereophile article but didn't find it. BTW, it is a stereophile class A rated piece of equipment although I know some people believe that doesn't mean anything...

madmax

Edit: Here is a nice write up on the Jolida...
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/500151.html

[madmax]

Bumped in case PRC wanted to take a look...
madmax

[Tour2ma]

Shameless... :p