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Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Against the recent used-market anchor, US$400 lands a bit under the US$438 median and just above the US$381 25th percentile, so this reads as a solid fair-to-good buy rather than a bargain-basement score. It is not cheap enough to call a true steal, but it is priced sensibly for a known, respected phono stage.

This model is well regarded for giving a clean, quiet, musically satisfying phono lift with enough refinement to make a serious analog front end feel properly sorted. At this price, the upside is good if the unit is complete and unmolested; I’d especially want confirmation of the power supply and any included accessories, since those matter more than cosmetic wear on a component like this.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Musical Surroundings

Musical Surroundings traces its roots to 1990, when Garth Leerer filed the DBA in Oakland, California, building on his involvement in high-performance audio since the late 1970s. As a key figure in the analog revival, Leerer managed SOTA turntables and launched the company with a mission to ensure LP playback endured beyond the compact disc era. Over three decades, it has evolved from distribution into manufacturing, celebrating 33 years in 2023 as a cornerstone of vinyl-centric hi-fi.

The brand specializes in high-end analog components, distributing renowned lines like Clearaudio turntables, Graham and Clearaudio tonearms, Benz phono cartridges, and others, while offering turntable accessories and record-cleaning solutions. In-house, it produces exceptional phono preamplifiers in collaboration with designer Michael Yee, alongside a high-performance DAC, tube electronics, and select digital accessories, emphasizing flexibility and musicality in vinyl playback.

Positioned as a preeminent niche boutique in the high-end market, Musical Surroundings commands respect among audiophiles for its deep analog expertise and curated selections that prioritize sonic purity over mass appeal. It bridges vintage heritage with modern refinements, appealing to discerning buyers seeking uncompromising LP reproduction in a digital-dominated landscape.

See all Musical Surroundings listings on RADAR.

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