If boulder is tops what is second tier?

Albert- no doubt he has been breathing fumes from Peter Aczel of Audio Critic infamy.

Just because some audio magazine rag says it is the best, does not mean it is true.
Drjoe

i've listened to the Boulder phono stage a couple of times at shows. it did sound good but certainly not particularly unique.....but until comparing it to another with the same cartridge in the same system who knows?

so far my favorite is the internal phono stage in the battery powered darTZeel NHB-18NS preamp. but there are many i have not personally tried in my system.

based on my personal experience i can say that if the dart is at the top of my list......the Lamm LP2 would be a level or two below that....the Aesthetix Io Sig would be slightly below the Lamm....the BAT-VK10SE would be below the Io. i would add that many have rolled tubes and modified the Io Sig and considerably improved it.....and who knows how that might change my impressions. my experience with the Io Sig was stock.

i am told that the 'big' FM Acoustics ($40k list price) phono stage is similar to the Boulder......and that was the reference used to design the darTZeel.

after hearing what properly implimented battery power does for the dart pre line stage section i would be skeptical that any A/C powered phono stage could compete. but that is just my guess.....until you compare who knows?

I have a bit of insight in having fairly extensive experience in my own system with both the Lamm LP2 and the Manley Steelhead. I ran the Lamm LP2 as my phono stage for a couple of years (2003-4) and ultimately replaced it with the Manley Steelhead, which I have been using as my phono stage for the past two years. My move to the Steelhead was for the purpose of gaining more flexibility with repect to gain and loading.

From a performance perspective, I found the two components to be very close. To my ears and in my system, however, the Manley was the winner. The bass is tighter and more extended, and the treble is better extended, more refined and airier, resolving that touch of darkness that is a signature trait of the Lamm electronics.

So, in my book, the Manley Steelhead ranks just a touch above the Lamm LP2.

Albert,

Wow, I have never seen you come out and blast someone like that!! If true, which I have no doubt that it is, it is very disheartning to know one of the higher profile manufacturers holds this view. Makes you wonder what he voices his gear with, Lamp cord??

Johnny