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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
pcosta
241 posts
 
Ebm

Did you just get one. I am thinking of adding the Tron Seven Ultimate as second phono to go with my Syren.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Friend lent it to me its the best i have heard!!
somut
82 posts
 
Threshold Fet-10PC and maybe the Precision Fidelity C/7A Revised; Boulder Phono
soundlistening
26 posts
 
11flat6,

The Kondo had standard tubes. Depending on when they are built these can be EH (Gold pins) or even JJ ones....crazy and makes you wonder if all the hype on NOS tubes is real??? Anyway I have played with Kondo preamps, like Ongaku, Gakuon, Kegon and the likes..best results I ever got are with balanced and matched tubes from a decent source. Have used GE 5 stars 6072's, Tungsols;;;;and whilst good they do not deliver quite as good as good tubes that are matched an balanced. Kondos come with matched and balanced.

Cartridges ranged from Sony XL55pro to FR7's, Ortofon A90, Kondo IO, EMT 15's...so quite a range.

SUT used were FR, Kondo and Ortofon in varied not alaways prefectly matched but sill in any of the configurations the Kondo killed the others. The kondo seemed so fast, musical and just plain balanced.

The needles were digging into post 70's pressings. This may be a matter to consider if you are going for a second phono. What era records to you offer your ears? I do consider that the EMT 139st is a true gem with its options, mono/stereo, curves...when using EMT carts, made to match. But this is for older recordings/pressings pre 70's.

Kondo or even EMT is serious money. I have the M77 premap and must admit that if Kondo do one thing well it is their phono. Have the 927 with original but serviced (by Dusch) 13çst phono this is also silly good and plain simple stuff.

I guess it comes down to your focus in records and music. One of my very good audio friends is deep into more recent recordings, my pressings will not shine as well on his decks and that truth holds the other way round.

TG
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Soundlistening,
I can support your findings, even without SUT the Kondo phono stage delivers a wonderful sound. I tried it with the London Reference in a FR-66s - gosh, what a feeling!
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