Art Audio Vinyl one vs Sutherland PhD

If your familiar with a soldering iron try k&k's phono kit. It is a close cousin to Art Audio's Reference.http://www.kandkaudio.com/phonostage.html and http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/artaudio6/vinylreference.html or have them build it for you.

I agree about the K&k, a near match to the Vinyl reference at $1500 against $4500 for the Art Audio, built by the same designer. It is quiet, detailed, excellent RFI rejection(a perpetual problem for me) and cheaper than both the units you mention. As an aside, Kevin will get the kit built for you for a total cost of about $1950

Another vote for the K&K. I have had mine for over three years now and absolutely love it. And you won't find a better person to deal with than Kevin Carter. He is a true genius and all around nice guy.

Oz

You might also look for a used Acoustech Ph-1 or Ph-1P. They are not battery powered but are designed and built by the same guy (Sutherland) that builds and markets the PhD.

I have heard a few complaints that the PhD is "not exciting" but I haven't heard it. So I don't know if that's accurate or not. I had an Acoustech Ph-1 and loved it.

The Ph-1 goes for about $650 used and the Ph-1P for about $850 used. The Ph-1P is the same design as the Ph-1 but with improved components.

If you care about those things, the Ph-1 is a Stereophile Class B rated phono stage and the Ph-1P is a Class A rated phono stage. The Ph-1P is still for sale new at $1,500.