Stand out phono stages

Dknde, it's highly unlikely that you will find an answer to your query about a budget phono stage in a forum topic titled "Stand out phono stages". You will probably be better served searching the archives for budget recommendations or starting your own thread.

Has anyone listened to this phono stage?

http://www.eddiecurrent.com/Transcription_Amplifier.html

I did a load of tests about 6 years ago and gave it to the Whest 0.2 in my system.
That said, I loved a custom made phono stage by Paul Hynes - who unfortunately no longer makes them anymore- shame - coz it was the nicest sounding phono stage of the lot.
For sheer unfatiguing musicality, believe it or not, the EAR 834P is very good indeed.
I tried a Klimo VIV and found it to be lacking both grip and drive.
Many will disagree, but in my system I was spectacularly disappointed with 'the groove' by tom evans. I am told that his latest phono stage is very good, but if it is more of the same of 'the groove' then I'm not sure if I would like it. I will say, howevver, that the best reviews for the Groove have come from valve based hifi amplifier systems, so my transistor Lavardin IT may not be the best match.
If money were no object I would try out the Whest reference (hence I won't audition it!).

The phono stage in my Rowland Concentra integrated was stellar. That said I have been listening to MM cartidges latley and settled on A Soundsmith Boheme cartridge mated to there top MM stage. I have just spent the last three weeks on the power supply adding more filtering and I cannot believe how good the stage is. I have another power supply on the back burner and waiting for parts to complete. I am not opposed to dumpster diving for records and at present the system extracts very good results from bargain bin vinyl. Good mint vinyl really shines--very easy to listen to.

Waltroman

Did you modify the Soundsmith MMP or MMP3? Could you be a little more specific on what you did. Also could you comment on the soundsmith phono stage performance stock?