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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
piedpiper
753 posts
 
add Lyra Connosuer, Wavestream Kinetics, VivA, and if you're on a budget, Artemis Labs and Hagerman Trumpet.
shsohis
119 posts
 
No Pass Labs Xono?
piedpiper
753 posts
 
oh, and at the same price as the Nova Phonomenon, the Heed, although it would be silly to consider either of those as a contender for best at any price.

dealer disclaimer, although not necessarily for all of my above suggestions.
darkj's avatar
darkj
150 posts
 
Any opinions here on the Graham Slee Era Gold V? I have the baby Slee and love it, but wonder what/how much I'm missing...
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The Era Gold V, used for around $625, is a great bargain but it doesn't belong in a select group of "stand out" phono stages.

Neither, however, do the JLTI or Ear 834 that the thread originator discusses. Or for that matter, many of the others mentioned.
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