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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
dhcod
710 posts
 
I'm extremely happy with mine. I had Joe Fratus do the updates last year and that made it a little more transparent which works well with my system.
dhcod
710 posts
 
Sorry, it's an Art Audio Vinyl One.
analoganimal555
25 posts
 
I have owned several High end Phono stages and the one that stands above all the rest, EAR, Tom Evans, Conrad Johnson and a couple of others not worth mentioning is The Manley Steelhead. Most incredible phono stage I have ever owned. Plus it can double as a pre-amp. Built like a tank with more adjustments than you can shake your fist at. It will handle any cartridge. Its expensinve but it will be the last phono stage you will ever have to buy.
car123's avatar
car123
95 posts
 
Another vote for the steelhead, vastly improved by installation of a pair of siements CCa 6922 tubes. It creams everything else I have tried including an early Sim stage, a VAT BK 10 and a joule lap 150. I haven't tried any of the other wonderful products mentioned in this thread but the fact that I haven't wanted to speaks to how highly I regard my steelhead.
mikesmith
28 posts
 
FWIW, prior to my current setup I had an EAR 324 which I thought was very, very good. I now have a better phono stage - the on board phono in my Berning Zotl One pre. I haven't tried it yet, but the pre has the facilities to be powered by a 12v battery. Owners who have tried it report that it's slightly quieter in comparison.
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