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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
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
Steve, the C-17 is the other headamp I want to try. I'd love to find one but as you note, they are rare indeed.
nolitan
865 posts
 
C27- sounds like a winner but a bit pricey. Someday would love to try one out. Thanks for sharing.
samuelg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samuelg
59 posts
 
The Wavestream- way ahead of all the others
jaynemo1962's avatar
jaynemo1962
44 posts
 
Love this one! Still breaking in at only 10 hours
mrmitch
359 posts
 
Very happy with my new Fosgate phono stage. Its got maybe 30 hours or so on it, not overly romantic or soft tube sound but sure not sterile either with nice body to instruments and voices, exellent timbre, excellent soundstage and imaging.But my main criteria is I ENJOY hearing MUSIC through it! The chain is TW Akustic Raven One with Ortofon 12 inch arm and Dynavector 20xl cart and Synergistic Research Tricon Analog tonearm cable, going to the Fosgate, then on to a Joule Electra LA-150 Mk2 via Purist Audio Venustas IC's, and out to the Belles 350A amp. Speakers are Unity Audio Signature 3 wired with Acoustic Zen Shotgun bi-wire cables.--Mrmitch
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