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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
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,771 posts
 
I have been using Croft phono amps for years and have never really felt the need to move. Stock it uses JJ tubes which are a little slow and colored for my taste. Switching them out for Telefunkens brings serious improvements in speed, clarity, transparency and air.
petermax
30 posts
 
NVO SPA-II Special Edition
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 
Oldears, I also recommend tubes and passive EQ. Preamps with passive EQ often exhibit less surface noise from the LP, even though they might have the same bandwidth.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
I have yet to hear anything better than a Herron VTPH-2. Some come close, but "no cigar."
audiofun
799 posts
 
AMR PH77 with Bendix Red Bank 6900 tubes in the output being powered (currently) with a PS Audio P600.., simply mind bending.

Honorable mention goes out to my former Graaf GM70 and believe it or not.., (I can just see the looks on peoples faces :).., the iFi iPhono when really run in and sitting on the right vibrational isolation can be stunning and I mean "keep up with my former Graaf GM70 (which had a $1K worth of Amperex/Mullard/Siemens tubes installed) stunning". The Graaf had more bloom as you would expect but as far as speed, clarity, weight and overall character they were basically tit-for-tat.

The PH77 is in another realm altogether.
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