Stand out phono stages


This topic has been started before by others and myself as well, maybe too many times, but it is worth revisiting since the source is so very important!
So far I have had the pleasure to enjoy two worthy phono stages: the EAR 834p and the JLTI.
I have to admit they are spectacular. Obviously the record and all the equipment downstream play a role in the sound heard. In some cases I prefer the JLTI and in other cases the EAR. But neither out do the other dramatically.
What phono preamps outshine others by a big margin, those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.
pedrillo
Another vote for the Aesthetix, both the IO pair and the single box version.

I presently own an EAR 834p, largely due to financial considerations, and I have to admit that I really prefer the Conrad-Johnson Premier-15 that preceded it.

I haven't seriously auditioned the Manley, but when I've heard it seems very nice.