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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
john_tracy
341 posts
 
I have been enjoying the beta release of the new K&K Audio 3 stage, fully differential, transformer (Lundahl amorphous of coarse) coupled phono pre now for several months. In every way it out performs the SE version. Dynamics, sound staging, flow, pace, transparency, natural timbres, etc. I haven't heard anything better. At Kevin's suggestion, I recently replaced all grid-stopper resisters with smaller value 10 ohm Audio Notes. Nice improvement. Music is even more incisive with better dynamics. I've been so impressed with it that I've rebuilt my line stage with the same circuit as stage 3 of this phono pre. When the retail version of this unit becomes available they will be pricey ( all that Lundahl iron, 2) LL1931 MCs, 2) ITs and 2) line out , plus large PS trannie and choke ), but well worth checking out.
jazzgene
145 posts
 
Sutherland PhD sounds great to me.
lewm
13,018 posts
 
John, If you can get away with only 10-ohm grid-stoppers, perhaps you could get away with none at all. (I have forgotten what tube types are used in the K&K that might require grid-stoppers.) In circuits that really need grid-stoppers, 100 ohms is usually the minimum starting point. Anyway I use Audio Note 100-ohm grid-stoppers in signal path applications, and I agree that they are very transparent. For less demanding applications, Riken-Ohm resistors as grid-stoppers are also excellent. I have been thinking about that K&K balanced phono stage for quite some time, for use with MM cartridges. Looks very good. The other balanced tube unit that I like is the Hagerman Trumpet, which sadly seems to be NLA.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 
Lew, FWIW I don't think there exists any situation in which there should be no grid stop resistors. Without them the circuit is RF susceptible, and the preamp can also be prone to internal oscillation.
northstar04
3 posts
 
The ESE Nibiru-This stage will my last phono preamp, it literally sounds like nothing is between the TT and the amp, it is superb. Whatever is on the record is what you will hear. It is also super quiet.

The best thing about it is no one ever mentions it!!!
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