2. analog
  3. 1195322402

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
aporigine
36 posts
 
Shsohis: sshhh! :)
I have my eye on one such. Prices on them con=me and go in cycles it seems, and Smurf's Up. I'm waiting patiently for one with two full chassis at a good price. A month ago someone dumped one for $1500. I missed it by MINUTES!!
cheers apo
clio09
3,355 posts
 
I mentioned it early on in the thread, but it certainly deserves a second mention.
aporigine
36 posts
 
Pedrillo, the closest I've heard (of) as the be-all, end-all phono stage would be the Boulder 2008. Better hock the Bugatti though.
Vendetta Research ( of CTC Blowtorch fame) have received rave reviews.
cheers apo
audioquest4life
772 posts
 
I have to second the Aesthetix IO Signature, I have one with only one power supply but I have compared it to both a Pass Xono and a top ASR phono stage, and the IO is just much better than both. Of course this is on my system, my ears and my house, YMMV.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
If your looking for something in the same price range as the EAR and JLTI, the Sim Audio LP5.3 has worked really wel for me in my system. I prefer over the Ayre P-5XE it replaced.
More to discover