Your Ultimate Phono Preamp: Which One Would You Choose?

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.

Darren Myers now works as a V.P. for Parasound.

I am currently using an Accuphase C-47  phono preamplifier. Quiet and powerful. I like it.

I have a vinyl-only system and I'm lucky enough to own a Tom Evans Audio Design

Master groove SR mark 11 phono stage.

This was Tom Evan's absolute top phono stage but has now been superseded

by the Mastergroove SR mark 111 which Is slightly better than the already fabulous-sounding mark 11.

(OK, so I'm a TEAD dealer but I listen to and enjoy what I sell!)

My cartridges alternate between an Audio Note IO Gold (used with a custom 1:3 SUT) Ikeda Kai. Rebuilt Denon DL103 with shabita stylus and an

Ortofon SPU GM 11 e (for playing early digital vinyl!).