Esoteric E-03 Phono Stage

Superb phono amp, replaced a Lamm LP2 because it is a better match with the Esoteric C-03 preamp. Extraordinary detail, no sense of etched quality although it isn't a particularly warm sound. In tonal balance, the phono sound is really quite similar to my Esoteric digital balance (C-03, D-03, G-Orb) even with a Koetsu Platinum cartridge. Very silent (better than the Lamm); no noise issues whatever.

Its one of the best phono amps I have heard.

I have 100 hours on mine, and no noise issues. I am using a TA Ref MM2x power cord on it.

I have auditioned beside a PH5 and PH7, and preferred it.

Although the AR Ref Phono 2, is still better then the E-03.

But for the price, its terrific. Hopefully the last phono pre-amp I ever buy!

Listened to it once and I thought the sonic signature is very similar to Esoteric's digital products - which is to say lots of details, transparency, frequency extension and sound staging. It is also very neutral.

I am interested in purchasing this phono stage.I read in the 6 moons review that the EO-3 will let you hear any record defect as compared directly to the Audio Flight phono stage.
Do the user's of the EO-3 find that a problem? I was considering the E0-3 and Zesto Andros.

I have had this phono amp for months. It replaced the Lamm, a tube unit. I have detected absolutely no difference between the two as to how audible record defects are. (My cartridge is a Koetsu and arm and turntable are SME.)