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List of top phono preamps best

I know I have pounded away at this topic but i'm on a mission. I am looking for a phono preamp preferably with balanced circuit and output and want something that approaches the best. I am very fond of the sound of the ear834p which is in my system now, maybe this can offer an idea of what kind of sound I appreciate. The list I have compiled is: BOULDER (out of reach), AESTHETIX IO SIG.. (too many tubes and runs too hot), MANLEY STEELHEAD (a serious contender), LAMM LP2(another contender), PASS XONO (in the ball park), EAR 324 (another serious choice), BAT VK P10(also excellent), CONRAD JOHNSON PREMIER15, ZYX ARTISAN, AUDIO RESEARCH REF or ph?, AESTHETIX RHEA(was considering), ASR BASIS EXCLUSIVE, CARY PH301 or 302, LINN LINTO, HERRON VTPH-1, TOM EVANS THE GROOVE, ART AUDIO, WHEST PS.20. And there are more. What would be your top picks under $3000. used, preferably with balanced?
pedrillo
jafox
1,465 posts
 
I have answered a few such threads as this and so here I go again. As many have already commented, if you want balanced, most of your list is not going to work. The BAT and the two Aesthetix models are the balanced units here.

Yes, the Io has many tubes but it does not run hot. Small signal tubes generate very little heat....even 16 of them. And the two EL34's in the PS are not a heat issue. If the Io Sig is too costly, then consider the Std Io.
bryceeboy
115 posts
 
A real sleeper that no one has really heard but will compete with anything you mentioned is the Electron Images MCP-1. Great with carts as low as .3mv. I have tried alot of what you mentioned in the sub $5-6K range and the Electron was far and away the better phono stage. I see there is one for sale on Agon (no relationship). This is what has so far replaced my beloved Counterpoint SA-9 (Magnum Opus).
Good luck.
jtimothya
612 posts
 
The Artemis Labs PL-1 is another for your list.
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thomasheisig
568 posts
 
After all the years, the Klyne 7 Phono is among the very best sounding ones ever made. I really listened to a lot, not all, but a lot, it's naturalness is a class of it's own.
david12
1,454 posts
 
"You may want to check out the K&K Audio and Hagerman Trumpet phono stages as well. I know the Hagerman is available as balanced in your price range and I believe the K&K is as well".

The K&K does have balanced and single ended outputs. I use the single ended, so can't comment on the balanced output, but it is a great choice. It may not look exciting, but it sounds detailed, dynamic, with a wide, deep soundstage. You can have one made at minimal cost, for $1950
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