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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
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Zanden 1200. Vendeatta Research
exlibris
438 posts
 
I have to agree with Pedrillo, when it comes to speakers there are the MBL 101Es and then there is everything else. I haven't found this to be the case with any other component, however; just speakers.
gerrym5's avatar
gerrym5
286 posts
 
If you want to get way beyond an EAR and JTLI, I agree with Piedpiper on Lyra Connoisseur, Wavestream Kinetics, but would add Aesthetix Io Signature as top for me in no particular order. I've owned all three and could have lived with any one of those three- right now the Wavestream Pre-amp and Phono stages are providing beautiful music my system.

Also the other recommendations will improve your music system. Most (all) are so expensive. Did you have a price range in mind?
exlibris
438 posts
 
Jtimothya,
You mention the Atma-Sphere MP-1 and the Aesthetix IO.
Have you had a chance to compare the two in your system?
piedpiper
753 posts
 
I'm sure the MBLs are wonderful, but so are a dozen others.
More to discover