What is the Phono stage you have finished with?


Hello, Like many I have an e.a.r 834p, and it has served me well for many years, I am now however looking for a new MC phono stage. I am up for going quite a few stages up from the ear (so the next phono will last me a few years!).

Would like to hear from you guys who have already gone down this road!
Happy listening

Cheers
James
sme10
Interesting how few Audio Research entries on this string. I purchased a RHEA signature demo, and initially wanted to return it due to noise. After replacing the tube set from Jim Mcshane, tube noise is noticeable only within a few inches from my electrostatic speakers and totally inaudible at listening position. . The AR Phono 2 SE is silent. I'm wondering if it is 6000 dollars better?
I've settled on ARC phono stage built into my sp16 pre-amp.

It's pretty solid top to bottom. Also reasonably quiet for a tube phono device, as long as you use a very low noise tube in tube slot 1 of 3 in the phono section. Anything less than a top performing tube there can result in significant noise levels. I listen mostly to digital, so I have very low tolerance for any background noise that I can hear, even with ears close up to tweets when nothing playing.
Audio Icon PS3.

An excellent tubed phono pre.
Doesn't seem to get much attention outside of the UK for some reason.
Am pretty happy with my Pro-ject Tube Box SE II, but then I haven't tried many others.
Graham Slee Reflex M phono preamp with Graham Slee Elevator, VPI Super Scoutmaster Reference rimdrive, 10.5i tonearm, Lyra Titan-i cartridge, Classic platter. Extremely happy with this combo.