Your Ultimate Phono Preamp: Which One Would You Choose?

Audio Research Reference 3SE. After purchasing my first Audio Research phono stage, the PH2 around 1989 which finally sounded great.  I then upgrading multiple times over the following decades.. I finally got to the REF3 about five years ago, analog never sounded so good.

@jasonbourne52...thanks for the RGR mention!  I was an RGR dealer and became good friends with Roger.  He was quite the character.

I still have an RGR 4 somewhere in storage.  I remember when that hit the market and got all the great reviews.  We couldn't keep them in stock.  Sold a batch of them.

As far as my end game phono stage:  Modwright PH150.

This is incorrect question. Ultimate in one system may not be ultimate in another. And I don't mean just different cartridges. I do suspect though that in most or all systems tube phono stage will win.

The Herron VTPH-2A seems to be the top performing phono stage. Though discontinued, it still ranks at the top and is the one other competing units are measured against.

Just got to brag. My DIY battery powered SS with only air caps (variable) and vacuum caps in the signal path. Discrete nude Vishay resistor selector for volume control. Variable cartridge loading. Adjusts for some deviation from RIAA.

Every bell or whistle that I want and nothing else. Could scarcely afford the parts cost, can’t imagine what it would cost from a dealer.

DIY  forever!