FYI: I upgraded from my Ayre K-1XE, with its optional phono boards, to the VTL TL-6.5 line stage preamp with the Basis ASR Exclusive phono preamp. These work even better with my hybrid Lamm amps, (M2.1 monoblocks),than my Ayre did.
My friend's ARC REF. 5 preamp works really well with his Lamm M2.2 monoblock amps too.
My friend's ARC REF. 5 preamp works really well with his Lamm M2.2 monoblock amps too.