Stand out phono stages


This topic has been started before by others and myself as well, maybe too many times, but it is worth revisiting since the source is so very important!
So far I have had the pleasure to enjoy two worthy phono stages: the EAR 834p and the JLTI.
I have to admit they are spectacular. Obviously the record and all the equipment downstream play a role in the sound heard. In some cases I prefer the JLTI and in other cases the EAR. But neither out do the other dramatically.
What phono preamps outshine others by a big margin, those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.
pedrillo
The new battery-powered Nova Phonomena is a very good performer by any yardstick and it is much more adjustable than most. I like it a lot.
I have heard my buddy's Sutherland PHD, battery powered phono pre amp and was very favorably impressed. Its one of the quietest phono pre's avail, and that makes a very big difference IMO. If I wasn't keeping my CJ PV-5, which has a superb phono in it...I'd have the Sutherland.
A bit pricy but for me the Thor Cantatus or even in its formrer incarnation the Thor 3000, prior to being redone, works well for me
What phono preamps outshine others by a big margin, those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.

Here are 'last I'll ever buy' phono stages to consider, in no particular order...

* Atma-Sphere MP-1
* Audio Research Corp PH7
* Aesthetix IO
* Lamm LP2
* Conrad-Johnson TEA-1
* CAT SL-1