Your Ultimate Phono Preamp: Which One Would You Choose?

I'm very happy with my PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp designed by Darren Myers and implementation done by the fine engineering team over there.

It's actually a bit overkill for my purposes (two MC Cart's only in my arsenal).

Prior to that I had the Mofi StudioPhono designed by Tim De Paravacini. IMHO the best phono Preamp under $1k. The PS Audio bettered it in the midrange and a bit sweeter treble response (to my ears anyways). Bass response for both Phono Pre's were similar again to my ears.

While there are the Sutherland's (I'd love to just try one justto see what the hype is all about). My "Dream" Cart/Phono Pre would DS Audio top line Cart. with the Ed Meitner modified Phono Pre.

Now I just need that winning Powerball ticket !

I bought the Parasound JC-3 and sent it back for a refund....Then purchased the PS Audio Stellar Phono Pre.......Still have it. Great sounding, Great Value.....Darren Myers knows what he's doing!

Audio Research Reference 3 Phono in my system and no desire to go any further. Analog never sounded any better with my ears. 

The Herron VTPH-2A is an excellent unit - we did an A/B against the Vendetta SCP2-D in my main system and it was pretty much a tie.  Now discontinued, but a lot easier to find than another John Curl Vendetta.

I also use a Conrad Johnson Premier 15 which is a good performer and you can find a new one for a lot less than the new price of $4K they originally sold for.

I have had a half dozen fairly expensive phono preamps mated to my relatively low output phono cartridge (currently an Ortofon A95) and the clear winner for me was a relatively inexpensive Paradox Phono 70 Signature.  Michael Fremer reviewed this unit a while back, comparing it to his very expensive reference phono preamp costing 10 times as much.  My only comment on the Paradox Phono 70 Signature is that it does require some break-in when new.  Good luck with your search.