The best phono stage out there?

The word 'best' exists for a reason. In the audio world though, defining what that even means is troublesome.

So what is the best? Is it something that everyone agrees on? no.

The best specs? Maybe, but likely not. Its now well-proven that what is important to our ears does not show up on paper very well, if at all.

I think it would be a bad idea to focus on any one characteristic and most audiophiles have different ideas about what is important.

So best, unfortunately IMO is only defined personally, and is inherently limited to the experience of the individual. IOW there can be something out there that is a whole lot better, but since its unknown to the individual, it does not exist.

So we ask. The problem here is that we have a vernacular that describes audio artifact or lack thereof, but the vernacular lacks the ability to transmit knowledge of intensity. The result is that one person can be describing a cheap transistor amp that might be the best they have ever heard, and the person he is talking to is used to much better equipment, maybe a $20,000 tube amp, yet they are using exactly the same descriptions to describe very different experiences.

So, IMO, while there is a best, there is no way that we can talk about it intelligently. So it might be wise to ask a different question!

The best I have listen to is the Boulder 2008.
I could not afford it, I purchased a Nagra VPS.
I have a Basis Debut with a Graham Phantum.
Cartridges I have are Lyra & Koetsu.
It sounds great

IMHO the best of anything is not necessarily the most expensive or even the best-sounding; it's the best you can get a deal on. Sort of like shopping the specials.

The best special I know of at the moment is an Audiomat 1.5 from UHF Magazine. I believe the one they are selling also has the new beefier power supply. This is a selloff because Audiomat will have a 1.6 model out soon.

There is something special about Audiomat gear, it really seems to bring out the life in the music. Other phono stages I've heard are also good, with different flavours, but this is the best sonic deal I know of right now.

Don't know about the best but the Allnic H-3000 phono stage is hard to beat and I really mean it...that's if you like transformers. Check 'em out here on audiogon. The H-1500 is also a fine piece for the $$. I used to own the H1500 and just received the H-3000. I run the XV1s and a few other cartridges with it. I also have a friend who swears by the Tron/XV1s combo and that itself is a great piece too.

There's lots of fine product out there if you're willing to break the $5000 barrier. Also depends what you value most in the sound will help determine what works best for you.

I really do appreciate all the replies. For the replies that question the value of the question, let me explain that living in Australia, there are no places where one can get presented with a range of high end phono stages to decide from,therefore, another person's experience with similair equipment to what I have and who have moved on from it ,is particularly helpful as it would direct me to seek out such equipment for audition.
In relation to budget, I was looking at the 5000 to 10000 range. BTW I also use a Audionote step up transformer.
I look forward to other opinions
Thanks again