Stand out phono stages

Piedpiper,
I guess it all depends on what each of us is looking for.
I've never heard a full-range box speaker that didn't sound like I was listening to a stereo. To me, some sound like incredibly fantastic stereos and some sound like bad stereos but they all sound like stereos.
That said, the 101Es are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I think we all end up picking the flaws that we can live with.
Sorry to have derailed this phono stage thread with speaker talk. I'm more interested in hearing about the Io and other stand out phono stages than in talking about MBLs anyway.

Don't know if its distributed Stateside but the ClearAudio Balance and Balance Reference Phono stages are worth a listen, especially if you like solid state phono's and ClearAudio cartridges.
IMO The next phono stage upgrade after the Balance Ref with duel power supplies would be a Boulder 2008 with triple power.

"I guess it all depends on what each of us is looking for."

well said. I used to think there was "an" answer. Perhaps I have grown up a bit afterall. ;-)

...and then there's the amp speaker relationship, and the cartridge phono stage relationship, etc..

Yes, Clearaudio , along with its phono stages is distributed here by Musical Surroundings and their dealers. They are also the distributors for Aesthetix.

I can't believe no one has mentioned the K&K.....so I will...

Oz

Shsohis: sshhh! :)
I have my eye on one such. Prices on them con=me and go in cycles it seems, and Smurf's Up. I'm waiting patiently for one with two full chassis at a good price. A month ago someone dumped one for $1500. I missed it by MINUTES!!
cheers apo