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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
fcrowder
191 posts
 
The real problem with athread like this is that other than a Michael fremer, most of us will never hear anywhere near the full range of phonostages available and the number that we will hear in our own systems is even fewer. Add to this the rarety and expense of some of the contenders and it becomes even more difficult. I have often thought that when we moved from integrated preamps which contained a phonostahe to separates we may well ahve lost something as there are clearly synergies involved. I intend to test that out later this year when I will have an Audionote M9/S9 in my home system for an extended period. The M9 is that rarest of beasts, a preamp with a phonostage designed to complement its functioning.
karelfd
476 posts
 
Fcrower nailed it. In defense of the original poster and many contributors, though, his line read "stand-out phono-stages" (not "best" and in plural)

Pedrillo, if we may also include integrated stages, then I have to add both Tidal Presencio and Tidal Preos whereby, to put the hierarchy right, to their designer phono actually comes first, they are not convenient add-ons and they do fulfill your original criterion:
... those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.
karelfd
476 posts
 
That should have read Fcrowder, of course.

Abundant and honest apologies for misspelling the name, likely the worst error in writing to commit.
dividebytube
50 posts
 
the 'vintage' Threshold FET-10/PC is one of my favorites. Though it's an 80s piece, the sound is one of the better I've heard. Gold plated PCBs, hand construction, all FET signal chain... my only wish is that it could handle really low MCs as the gain options are only 40dB or 60dB.
robm1
28 posts
 
The whest PS.30RDT. I've tried all sorts from battery to valves. The valves units always suffered noise or the gain was too low.
The 30RDT is absolutely quiet, allowing you to hear right through the big soundstage. It's dynamic, detailed but also VERY musical, typical of many UK made amplifiers. I'm not pro-UK as I own 2x VPI tables and a pair of Usher loudspeakers.
I now use a PS.30RDT in my second home system with an Ortofon A90 - what a wonderful combination.
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