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Phono stages belong to which tier?

I feel the phono stage is the most critical component in an analog system since it is an important part of the source. Which phono stages have you heard and in which tier would they fall in 1st 2nd or 3rd?
From reading the threads here: aesthetix, manley, lamm, fm acoustics, einstein would probably fall in the 1st.
Please include stages that have been listened to extensively and those that have been heard breifly.
pedrillo
jtimothya
612 posts
 
I think there is more of a continuum than strict tiers - imo and in no particular order...

upper: ARC PH7, ARC Reference Phono 2, Atma-Sphere MP-1, Lamm LP2, Aesthetix IO Sig

middler: ARC PH5, Artemis Labs PH-1, Pass Labs XONO, ZYX Artisan, Aesthetix Rhea,
stratguy
43 posts
 
Where would you guys place the Linto?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
logenn
91 posts
 

I would also add to the top teir the Allnic H 3000, with it's transformer coupled design.

Since I am not a ss guy, i can not comment on these designs, but have heard and am impressed with the Einstein.

I have owned an Aesthetix (IO) Eclipse and Manley Steelhead, currently own a Lamm LP 2 as well as the Allnic and consider them all amoung the best.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Doshi Alaap, tier 1+. Oh! Sorry. The Alaap is not on your list. I've heard it next to Aesthetix, Manley, and Raul's Essential and several others.
mred
88 posts
 
Those of you judging the Rhea,are you using the latest "S" version in your comparisons? Just trying to figure how to weigh your opinions ,as the latest version is supposed to be significantly better than the non "S".
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