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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
 
I usually don't count very much on the recommendation of magazine writers anymore but in the last "Image Hifi" in Germany the Kondo M7 Phono paired with the SUT Kondo KSL was described in detail coming along with wonderful images (you might see the quality of images on the Tubes Edition of Hifi Tunes in English for iPAD).

And the writer in this case is completely right: This is absolutely the most musical phono preamp combo I have ever experienced.

best @ fun only
andromedaaudio
170 posts
 
Thuchan , have you ever compared/heard the Convergent legend pre/phono?
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Andromedaaudio, not yet but heard only good things about the Convergent. Will try listening to a unit.

best @ fun only
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Thuchan,

A freind has a Da Vinci Grandezza 12" / Kondo IO-M / Kondo Step Up Transformer / Kondo M7 Phono set-up using a Verdier La Platine Vintage table, sounds nice but I prefer two others.

#1 12" REED/My Sonic Lab Ultra Emiment BC/FM Acoustics FM-122 Mk II phono set-up on the same Verdier table

and

#2 Shroeder/Olympos/Ensemble Fonobrio phono set-up with a TW AC table.

The later two which seem to offer more similarities than differences.
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Dev,
okay when it comes to a full chain your two preferences are good benchmarks. My favourite at the moment is:

Continuum Copperhead/Olympos/EMT JPA66/Micro Seiki 8000

best @ fun only
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