Recommendations for MM Phono ~ Tube or Solid State

@lalitk 

Little chance of that.  Just going by what I read and some youtube reviews.

I got his Custom 2A3/45 and really like it so I'm going by that also.

Lack of head to head comparisons is holding me back.

Maybe Aric can talk me into it.

Keep in mind that I have chosen to use high gain phono stages for LOMC cartridges, but not based on principle, based on listening to the particular phono stages I've chosen.

flattire, I am not sure what is your point in saying you will choose an MM phono stage plus SUT over your Modwright as a form of "simplification".  Were you using the Modwright with no SUT previously, owing to its high gain?  If so, I fail to understand why the conversion to an MM phono stage plus SUT can be viewed as a simplification.  You may prefer it, and all that, but why is it simpler?

It maybe true that well-made high-gain MC phono stages outshine an SUT. All I can say is that an SUT sounds better than the MC phono stages I have at hand. So unless I win the lottery (more unlikely than ever since I do not take part in the "tax on the mathematically impaired"), I'll make do. Your ears will tell you if you are in the same boat as me.

The farmer and the cowhand can be friends.

“Your ears will tell you”

@dogberry

I couldn’t agree more…at the end of the day, your ears, your system and listening skills should be the ultimate arbitrator. There is no shortage of gear to choose from and there is more than one way to skin a cat.

It’s best to ignore people with a mindset …my way or the highway.