Stand out phono stages

I took home an ASR Mini Basis Exclusive to compare to my PS Audio GCPH. I wasn't planning on making a change at all, but it sounded night & day so much better that I bought one.

Compared to the ASR, the PS audio sounded thin and compressed. If you're looking for a stage in the $2-4k range I'd suggest checking it out. Very open sound and rich without being too euphonic.

I also compared to the phono in my Supratek Syrah - and though this was a closer comparison, the ASR was still more open, rich and dynamic. This stage really brought my vinyl playback up a few notches in enjoyment for me.

A lot of tube units are basically tube MM stages with a SUT used to provide the higher gain needed for LOMC. Exceptions, like the Aesthetix Io, have a whole lot of tubes to provide more the extra gain through active stages.

I like tube stages with SUT, provided that the transformer is really good. The Kondo is a good example. I think the SUT in the Audionote (uk) units are really terrific too. One can actually buy their transformers separately, though the top model is extremely pricey. I heard a custom-made stage using their best transformer and it is amazing.

I actually want to skip the sut s .
Im becoming quite fond of the London moving iron i have , i think thats the future not mc s .
If i buy a zanden 1200 i have to use the step up even if i dont need the gain.
So i can conclude that the kondo mm , lamm mm and maybe the zanden (1000) mm are good choices and others probably .
I now have the nagra via mm out , i dont know what exactly i will gain switching to another mm stage.
I have a good gut feeling about the zanden 1000 though as i m quit fond of their model 3000.
The lamm will be by far the cheapest choice.

Another vote for the TRON Seven.

Top class sounding tube phono stage with real quality build and bespoke components. Built to order and so you can specify MC gain, cartridge loading etc.

another vote for the Whest Audio PS.30RDT Special Edition and what I now own which is their MC REF V MK4. Excellent all discrete Class-A no BS stage which sounds unlike any SS state I compared it to. gain and load from the factory can be changed on request before shipping.