PHONO PREAMP

The N1 is in another league with no disrespect to any Parasound product.
You just need to take the cover off for 2 reasons: 1) to see the build quality 2) set loading & gain for your phono cartridge.  Be careful not to salivate on the circuitry!
The sound is simple to describe, just gain with no signature of it's own. It gets out of the way and lets you hear exactly what's in the grooves or any other source.
As I stated earlier, possibly the best sounding preamplifier at any price on the planet!

 I have had a NVO SPAII for a few years. I recently was without it for a few weeks and had to listen to my solid state phono stage instead. I can't express how much better I find tube phono stages. The NVO, I believe is one of the best.
 The blackness of the background is surprising, the energy fed to my preamp is unbelievable. Very full and rich presentation, and the smoothest and easiest on the ears I have ever heard.

"I have had a NVO SPAII for a few years. I recently was without it for a few weeks and had to listen to my solid state phono stage instead."

tomathome-I have been intrigued by the NVO after seeing listings years ago here, on Agon. Personally, I would NEVER have a rig without a tube phono stage.

SOO many bottles in that box!  I would imagine just a couple are really the "money" tubes for tweaking the sonics?

Based on pictues, I wasn't too impressed with the build. Tube sockets on board, case finishing looks a little  underwhelming?Sonics however....all the reviews are favorable. I would consider a used one for the right price. 

Hagerman Trumpet Reference-bested the Zesto Andros by a significant margin. Uses 12ax7 and 12au7 tubes.About 7000 retail. Owner for 4 years- never had a ny issue.
NSP

Stay away from those phono  stage using 12au7s. High end tube gain stage should not use those cheap tubes w/ high output impudence and non-linear gain. High mu tubes may not Sound smooth as directly heated tubes, but at least be able to drive equalizer network w/o too much variance. Also, the real cost no concern phono stage should use inductors in equalizer.