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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
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Dear Andromeda,
I had the Nagra but only for a short while. Maybe I sold too early but I had the impression it didn't reach to my Kondos (M 7) and my Lamm. This was before I improved the Lamm. Of course you need to wait until all new parts and caps are running smooth but I was a bit dissapointed with the tiny Nagra's SUTs and to my knowledge they also changed something on the design later on.
divo
60 posts
 
Coincident Statement Phono Stage. Astonishing!
From an ex-owner of Aesthetix, Manley, K&K and Walker reference phono stages, to name a few.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Goatwuss,

When you compared the Basis and PS Audio GCPH, did you run the same loading on the cartidge for both preamps? I know the GCPH has a number of loading options, and the sound can change dramatically depending on the cartridge. What loading did you use when comparing the two and what cartridge?
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
I am intrigued about the statement made regarding the coincident, I would like to hear more about this stage. Anyone else hear it???? Comments.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Now after having posted here about 3 to 4 years ago, I still would say Zanden and Wavac. Having been thus so spoiled, everything else left me dissapointed.
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