Gold Note PH-1000 Best Phono Preamp?

Fremer has provided plenty of evidence that RIAA was adopted universally quite a while ago.  But, I've heard some phono stages that offer different curves and there are some recordings, that are quite modern, where, in the particular system, an alternative curve sounded better.  I don't think the recording was actually done utilizing a different curve, so the "improved" result using a different curve is a matter of recording/mastering, system synergy, personal taste, and/or a combination of such factors.  It doesn't hurt to try something different when a recording doesn't sound great with the default RIAA equalization.

But that’s just a shot in the dark. Don’tcha think?

In his PH-1000 review Fremer did try at least one alternate curve and said it did sound better on the test LP.  Not saying he is wrong about the RIAA curve adoption,  but relying on older folks memories is dangerous.  Not to mention folks that may have beef repeating the corporate line.

Y'all take care, 

Robert

“beef” should have been “been”.

He spoke to specific engineers who were personally involved in setting up the most commonly used Neumann lathe. There was complete agreement among them. When I was a kid in the 50s, my parents had a H-K receiver that offered a choice of 2 or 3 equalization curves, plus RIAA. But that was all mono. Fremer does intimate that the conversation to stereo brought in the particular Neumann that was standardized to RIAA. It’s certainly logical that a mono LP might benefit from some esoteric equalization curve. Also, there’s no accounting for listener taste. If you get a charge out of playing with equalization, the PH1000 is certainly a way to be able to do it.