What separate tube phono stage do you use ?

Did anyone compare directly the phono stage of Atma-Sphere MP3 preamp with some of the mentioned or other separate phonos ? Who else makes tube preamps with excellent phono that could compete with Ralph's design ?

Good question inna. The phono amp in the EAR-Yoshino 868 is also considered by some to be mighty fine, but there aren't a lot of them around. The English mags use to do "shoot-outs", comparing comparably-priced components. I'm not expecting to see an MP-3 and an 868 compared anytime soon, and I've never found a retailer selling both those brands (they are wont to sell competing pieces at the same price point). And then you wonder how either of their phono stages compares with a good stand alone unit like the Herron, Allnic, etc.

Conrad johnson EV1 changed my set up and added such detail. 

McIntosh MP1100. For when you’re ready to stop messing around!

After a succession of NYAL and Conrad-Johnson phonostages, I moved to an Aesthetix Rhea about 6 years ago and have no plans to "upgrade."  With 3 pairs of inputs, as well as load and gain flexibility via the remote, the only thing is doesn't have (and I wish it did) is a mono switch.