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(2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Dual CS 429 Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components
  • Reviewers Choice

Price: $799.99

Website: hifi.dual.de/en/home-en/

Thom said: As mentioned in previous reviews, I’ve used Dual turntables for most of my audio life. I’ve always thought it unlikely that a Dual would come along to top my CS 5000, but I have to say, the CS 429 acquits itself pretty brilliantly.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Dual goes back to its automatic roots.

EMM Labs DS-EQ1 Optical Phono Preamplifier

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components
  • Reviewers Choice

Price: $12,500

Website: www.emmlabs.com

Jason said: If you really, truly want to find out where a vinyl rig can take your system, man, oh man, do you ever need to check out the DS-EQ1 combined with one of DS Audio’s cartridges.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: A paradigm-shifting analog component?

Esoteric E-02 Phono Preamplifier

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Price: $9500

Website: www.esoteric.jp

Thom said: The Esoteric E-02 is as serious a piece of electronic kit as I’ve ever had in my system, revealing better qualities than I’ve experienced before in terms of its powers of resolution, textural detail and finesse, impressive soundstaging, bass presence, and slam.

Read the SoundStage! Ultra review.

The gist: They listened to customers and dealers and this is what resulted.

Phasemation PP-200 Moving-Coil Cartridge

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Price: AU$1499

Website: www.phasemation.com

Edgar said: Its extremely good presentation of the mid-band, particularly female vocals will have you diving into your record collection with gusto.

Read the SoundStage! Australia review.

The gist: No need to spend more on a cartridge.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems E1 Phono Turntable with Ortofon OM 5E Cartridge

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Price: $399

Website: www.project-audio.com

Thom said: Pro-Ject has produced a unit that will get someone up and running and playing music that sounds bright and flavorful but doesn’t tire their ears on long sessions.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Doesn’t do much wrong, which is impressive at just four bills.

Thorens TD 102 A Turntable with Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Price: $1099

Website: www.thorens.com/en

Thom said: It looks gorgeous, it’s easy to set up, and its overall performance is quite satisfying.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Thom loved the automatic aspect of its design.

Vertere Acoustics Sabre Moving Magnet Cartridge & PHONO-1 MkII L Preamplifier

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Prices: Sabre AU$ $1895 (Replacement Stylus AU$695), PHONO-1 MkII L AU$2695

Website: www.vertereacoustics.com

Mark said: Buying both the Sabre MM cartridge and PHONO-1 MkII L means the customer has acquired a pairing which has been made from 'the ground up' to work in perfect unison.

Read the SoundStage! Australia review.SoundStage! AustraliaRead the SoundStage! Australia review.

The gist: You can count on your cartridge and phono preamp working well together.

Yamaha GT-5000 Turntable

Details
Parent Category: 2022 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
Category: (2022) Stereo Analog Source Components

Price: $7999

Website: usa.yamaha.com

Aron said: My time reviewing Yamaha’s GT-5000 turntable was an experience I will not soon forget, not only because it’s a fantastic-sounding turntable with a warm, fulsome presentation, but also because it’s a true pleasure to set up and use.

Read the SoundStage! Ultra review.

The gist: Beautifully built and well-appointed turntable.

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