New $500 "best" phono stage?

... and thus is the danger of too much egg nog revealed.

Might be Michael Fremer from Stereophile. He has reviewed a number of tube/analog products. Paul, you have a very nice low cost phono preamp. The only other ones I know of that might be pretty good at or about that price range are the EAR, the Grado and possibly the Margules Magenta. If you ever find out though, please let us know. I'd love to get something really good at that price point.

I dunno anything about Mr Fremer's findings but I've recently been playing with the new Dynavector P75. It's seriously good at under $600 retail and is finding itself comfortable in the company of some old favorites in the $1000-1500 range in direct head-to-head comparison auditions.Not too impressive to look at but definately worth a listen.

http://www.dynavector.co.jp/english/frame_cart/e_p75.html

I dunno about Mr Fremmer's findings either 'cause probably He's no findings to my knowlege. But the best ear nomination always goes to YOU and no other Mickey or Malory can realy tall ya wich one is the best for $500 new.
You can add to your under or arround $500 list Trichord Delphini.

I'm pretty sure your friend was referring to MF's capsule review of the Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V phono stage in the January 2003 Stereophile ("Analog Corner"). According to that review, it lists for $760, not $500.

What Fremer wrote was (note the introductory, qualifying clause):

"Given its price and its miraculous--and this agnostic means *miraculous*--performance, I recommend the GSP Audio Era Gold Mk. V as enthusiastically, if not more so, as I've recommended any product in all the years I've been doing this."