Phono Stage to replace Sonic Frontiers Phono 1

Check into the EAR units.

Pmavridis, what is your budget?

I'd like to keep it under $1,500 and certainly am open to a used unit.

I can suggest a killer phono stage in the price range. Will e-mail you offline.

Keep the Phono 1, put in some good NOS. I don't think you can find anything better at $1500 used, not even ARC PH3SE. EAR is not even close.

The Plinius M 14 is among the best you will get and can sometimes be had for 1500 or close to it. Retails for 3495 or so - It kills all mentioned. The EAR with Telefunken Falcon tubes will demolish the Phono 1. Sorry but have owned both - still have the EAR and the Plinius. The Phono 1 will improve with the Telefunkens but keeps that twangy sound that aggravated me.

I agree 100% with Ljgj

Do yourself a big favor and check out Kevin Carter's phono kit at K&K Audio. For $1500 you can purchase the 'complete' kit. It is esencially an Art Audio Reference that they sell for $4000. I'll put mine that I built up against any 'high zoot' preamp out there.

Bingo - John. This is the stage I was referring to and I will put mine to the same challenge, including anything up to the Aesthetix IO.

You may also want to check out the Hagerman Trumpet. It is a little more than you want to spend new but is an outstanding buy for the money.

I've heard the Phono1 and thought the exact opposite as "highs" go. I was hearing a a Benz Lo4 and and Aries. I found it really smooth and warm, the same went for hearing it with a totally differnt deck/arm/cart. In fact I have been trying to match what I heard and cannot. I'd look at something else as the cause. I'd try differnt tonearm cables first if you can. I really think the Phono1 is not the problem

Try Acoustech PH-1P $1500.00 list new. Can find at normal discount. I watch for one to come up used for A long time no luck. For what its worth its rated in Stereophile class A
I know. But is A good phono stage.

If I were you, I'll get a full function preamp like counterpoint SA-5000 with a seperate amp like Mac MC240