I’m going with the Rega Planar 8 and their Apheta 2 MC Cartridge. After all the research and working within a self imposed budget, I went with the Planar 8. The budget is because I’m not sure this will work out. I don’t know if I want to drive myself nuts with analogue. The Rega requires minimal involvement from me as it’s turn key with the factory pre-mounted cartridge. My dealer was able to give me a great deal. He had something that he wanted on trade from me and the deal worked out for both of us. I’ll pick it up tomorrow or Thursday. When I have a chance to get over to their brick and mortar location.
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See if you can get the updated Apheta3 that replaces the 2. Supposed to have some of the magic ingredients of the Aphelion top cart for only about $100 more than the 2. Enjoy.
Works great on the P10.
When your Apheta3 wears out you might seriously consider the Aphelion2 for your P10. On my RP10 it is sublime.
On the (getting ever longer…) list. 
Aura phonostage too.
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Do you have the SPP? I think it’s great and versatile.
I got one of the first actual production SPPs, and it is one of the best upgrades any vinyl spinner can make. PERIOD!!
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I’ve set up the Stellar Phono and assembled the Planar 8. The phono was simple to configure and since the Planar 8 was factory fitted with the Apheta 2 cartridge it was plug and play. I’m spinning one of my favourites “Wallflower” by Diana Krall. It sounds really nice. Actually there’s more micro level detail. Certainly wins out a bit compared to DSD playback through my Direct Stream Sr. Yes it’s more work as each record side is fairly short. All in all a fun and worthy upgrade.
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Thanks for the feedback watchdog! Glad you’re liking it. Always love seeing the array of silver PS gear in your pics! 
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Now please consider getting some proper Isoacoustics feet under those Wilsons. Wheels are neat, but they don’t do anything for the sound.
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Funny that you mention that. Isoacoustics had the distributor send me the 3/8-16 fittings. Once the resistor in the base is replaced. Up they’ll go.
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Has anyone compared the SPP directly to the JC3+?
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Yes! I just added the SPP to my stable of 3 (count em) phono pres. The other two being a Modwright Reference PH 150 (my standard) and a Sutherland DUO (now in the shop in Kansas for the linear power supply upgrade).
I’ve had the opportunity to compare the JC3+ mano-a-mano in my system #1. No other changes whatsoever. Compared to the JC3+ the SPP in the midrange is beyond a doubt more relaxed by a few rows back. The JC3+ has bass punch in abundance and, I know I’m saying this to the PSA fanboys club, betters the SPP in that regard. The SPP is not reticent below 100 Hz, it is very good, so take that observation as a comparative statement. Top end is a toss up. The JC3+ might have a bit more shimmer, but I’m not entirely convinced that’s even real since the top end is quite dependent on the loading I use for my (two) MCs. In the end I’ve chosen to keep the SPP permanently because that more relaxed midrange presentation happens to be a better match for my rig. I can definitely see somebody who wants a bit of juice for a system that needs it going for the JC3+ instead. Both are extremely quiet, btw.
Note I don’t engage in ‘demolishes the competition’ ‘blows it away’ or other such rhetoric discussing products of this quality. I assert from my personal observations the choice between these two phono pres is one of taste and system synergy. It tipped in favor of the SPP, but that’s strictly me.
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Fremer‘s review said the same: midrange peak performance, bass not that level but stil good.
Thanks!!!
Does anyone have a SPP hooked up to a BHK Preamp via XLR? If so, can you let me know if you hear hum?
I start hearing hum from LP starting at about 40 clicks on the BHK Pre. I usually listen between 30-50. I’ve gone through all the basic setup, grounding and troubleshooting steps but can’t seem to squash the hum. The hum is still there if I completely disconnect the TT from the SPP and install grounding plugs on the RCA inputs.
I have my SPP connected to my BHK pre via XLR and have no hum. Have you checked light dimmers in your listening room? These can raise hell (and hum) like you wouldn’t believe. Try adjusting light level while having no signal from TT with volume fairly high. Lights fully off (and perhaps other levels) should eliminate this source of hum.
Good luck. This can be a bit frustrating.
I have my SPP hooked via 5 M AudioQuest Niagara XLR and have zero hum. Are both items connected to the same electrical circuit? If not, that can cause hum.
Yes, both are on the same circuit.
Thanks, yes I’ve tried turning off all unnecessary equipment in the room, but let me try adjacent rooms. The power goes through a P20 to both BHK Preamp and SPP.