Sutherland PHD

I have the Sutherland PHD. I also own the EAR 324, Lehmann Black Cube SE, and a Fosgate Signature (all are excellent, but different). It really is a split don the middle of the best that solid state and tubes have to offer. It is my favorite sounding phono stage, although I use the 324 due to ease of use. Any talk of softening of transients seems like something that somebody made that up in their head. Yes, i"m making that up in my head. If batteries hurt the sound, you probably wouldn't find it on high end gear designed by respected designers. Those guys have egos too.

I am probably one of the first overseas buyer of the PhD, and I bought it "blind" without listening to it first, and even way before Michael Fremer reviewed it

Anyway, it was one of the best audio components & hifi investment I have ever made.

The purity & honest presentation of the PhD has to be heard to be believed, and obviously, the batteries got a lot to do with it. I had 7 wonderful years with it, and upgraded to the AMR PH-77 two years ago.

The PhD is now residing in my friend's rig, and he is thoroughly enjoying it ;)

I'll have to try the upgrade and hear the difference.