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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
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
Who own's an FM Acoustics phono stage ? If so, what about the model that de-clicks/de-crackles ? Can it actually do it w/o any sonic degradation ? (Resolution Series 223 PhonoMaster)

Resolution Series 222-MKIII
Resolution Series FM 122 MKII
How much are these guys ($$$) ?

Are they the state of the art, bar none ?
lewm
13,071 posts
 
Check Audiogon for sale ads. You're already here, so why not? I think the FM122 (maybe the same unit each time) is regularly available used for $7000. Were it not so expensive, I might have bought one myself by now. The adjustability is very alluring. However, I have no idea whether it sounds good, or not. The 222 is even higher end, I think.
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
Thanks Lewm..interestingly (while at work)I can view and post in the discussion forum but the buy sell area is inaccessible(websensed)...go figure. I like getting paid researching audio gear while at work so that at home (on my dime), I can spend more time listening...LOL

I am trying to narrow my ref phono stage candidates down. The contenders:

FM Acoustics
Manley Steelhead
Pass Labs XP-25
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
Looking at the intro FM Acoustics model on a couple of 4 sale ads, I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed at the power supply...nothing more than a plastic DC black box attached to a rudimentary lamp power cord. Very disappointing for $10K.

I suppose the Allnic Reference H-3000 must be considered too. I nicely priced used one is for sale here.

Decisions.....
dcarol
62 posts
 
I sold my Allnic H-3000 to move to the Whest Audio MC REF V MK4. The Whest is SOOO much better! The Allnic is just far too smooth like the other phono units in their range.

I suppose if you are into tubes it's a good buy, but it 'covers' over too much for my liking. I like a more realistic sound - wanna hear everything. I wrote a mini-review of the MC REF V Mk4 here a while back. I still haven't heard anything as good. I heard some very 'romantic' units but none so revealing.

Apparently the US distributor has been dropped and you can now buy Whest Audio direct with a full 5 year warranty. Best part...you can buy the B-graded units in 115vac! It was one of the things that I wanted to do when I was living in CA.
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