Help search for a phono stage that fits my system

I seem to gather you like tubes, and perhaps would like a tube driven phono stage as well, but do notice you have chosen the DNA-500 for your Amp, and I'm sure this puppy delivers some fantastic sound, and takes control of your speakers with vice-like authority!

No doubt an absolute killer amp-speaker combination!
Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed some who seem to have noise problems with tube driven phono stages, and also commonly note the tube rush sound typical of most tube phono stages.

I'm sure many of these offer sound beyond compare, especially units like the BAT VK-10. If tube rolling, or tube rush doesn't inherently bother you, or you think will be a problem, then shoot the works, but I myself have just bought a very wonderful unit, and that Unit is the Sutherland PhD.

Stereophile rates this unit as Class A, yet goes on to say that it isn't the last word in phono pre-amplification, yet one thing all seem to quickly acknowledge, is absolute dead quiet. Not a peep from this puppy to hear. RFI appears to be a non-issue with this unit, and EMI won't ever be a problem, as the Unit operates from 16 D-Cell Batteries, and doesn't require chargers-whatnot. It automatically turns on, and turns off, had a myriad of loading, and gain settings, and custom boards-additional boards can be gotten from the distributor if the supplied boards can't accomodate an odd cartridge.

There's reviews online of this unit at acoustic sounds website, and my buddy Thomas M Back own one, and gives a comment on the site. He's using a Clearaudio Master Reference Table, with top of the line Clearaudio Arm, with Lyra Titan Cart on board, and of all the different phono stages he's tried, this has been the quietest, and the best performing of all.

I'm enjoying CD-like Dynamics, and dead silence with mine, and it was a very worthy, purchase. Mark

I have a Benz L2 cartridge rated at 0.3mV. I'm using a Hagerman Trumpet (MM only) with a K&K Audio (Lundahl) step-up transformer. The step-up allows for multiple gain and load (you can plug and play resistors freely with no soldering) configurations to suit all catridges. Had I not gotten a deal on the Hagerman, I would have gone for the K&K Audio phonostage. Kevin Carter is great to work with and designs and builds quality gear. I just had him build me a custom TVC preamp and am very happy with the results. I may yet get his phonostage to compare against the Trumpet. If you're inclined towards tubes these are two good options in the $1600 - $2300 range that will test well against higher priced competition.

I am currently using a CD92T, and it replaced a Cambridge CD500SE. In my system, I’ve found the Arcam to provide a more linear presentation; with significant improvements in the frequency extremes. The Cambridge was a bit too loose in the bass for me; whereas the CD92T is tighter and more resolved….cello and acoustic bass sound more like a bow across strings with the Arcam, rather than the indistinct drone that came from my Cambridge.

That said, some might prefer the rounded, warmer presentation of the Cambridge or the Rega players; which roll off the top end a bit. As with everything else, it depends on what you’re after and how it gels with the rest of your system.

Sorry....my post above was meant for the CD92T thread...not this one!!!

If you could go alittle higher, the Manley Steelhead is a simply awe-inspiring tube phono stage. As good as it gets.

Also, my compliments on your mating of a tubed CJ pre-amp with the DNA500. Perfect match of tube and SS attributes.