Suggestions for phono preamp for LOMC's

Very happy with my Icon Audio ps 3 mk II. Works really well with my cartridge at 2.5mV. 

There is a great discussion of them here.

It's beautiful, powerful, built in step up transformer. 

I had a bunch of phono preamps. I last had a Modwright 9.0X good preamp but it cannot compete with the one I have now.

My system is pretty good right now. I have the VPI Classic 1 turntable with a Unami Blue Cart. Amplification is a Plinius SA102A that has been "upgraded by Ralph Abramo, Plinius Audio Sales and Repair, (949) 357-3858 and the US distributor. Pre Amp is a AR REf 3. Speakers are Canton Ref 3K.

Phono Preamp is DSA Phono One (used). Now for about $3000 you can get a 10 year old phono preamp designed and built by Doug Hurburt of DSA. The bad thing is at that age they might be on the cusp of needing some TLC. The great thing is that Doug will go through it with a fine tooth comb and make it new again for very reasonable money. So, for short money, less than $4000 you can has a world class $12,000 phono preamp that will work with ANY cartridge. And the sound is wonderful. Find some reviews on the internet. I am a very happy guy.

PS Audio Stellar Phono

Paradox Phono 70 - maybe Signature upgrade

I’m also going to highly recommend the Paradoxpulse Phono 70.

My first higher-end phono stage was the Manley Chinook. Sold it after realizing my preamp’s built-in MC phono section was superior (McIntosh C52).

Then recently acquired the Phono 70 and now that has far surpassed the C52 phono section. I didn’t think it was going to but I thought I could find out for myself with their 30 day trial period.

I’ve been so impressed that I have since ordered the Signature version.

Pappas3278,

Thanks for the recommendation!  The Phono 70 is a very interesting phono stage.