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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
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
I recently (3 months ago) bought the new Doge "Clarity" preamp which has it's own phono section. I use the MM section coupled to a Ypsilon SUT. To me this is a ourstanding phono section. Very quiet with great prat, dynamics and nuance. Indeed the SUT costs more than the preamp, but vinyl front ends are always dear.
I also had the chance to listen to the Ypsilon phono pre through the Doge linestage (even better than the onboard phono). The Ypsilon is in a league of it's own but I really believe a big part of it's strength is the SUT. The main difference I experienced was the lowest sound floor I have EVER experienced! This is not a small point. It is a truly superior product,albeit a very expensive one.
If anyone is looking for a top notch SUT, the Ypsilon should be considered.

e
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,957 posts
 
Ttweights, Audiofeil is just keeping you on your toes. Don't take it personal.
dhcod
710 posts
 
I feel like at the level of phono stage we are all talking about here, it's more about system matching than what is "the best." My system is a little on the dark side and I've used many tube phono stages and now I'm finding that a solid state phono stage is really better for me. Helps the overall balance. ASR Basis Exclusive on the way. Looking forward to it being my "final" phono stage.
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
IMHO
I don't understand why anyone would have tube power amps, tube preamp and "settle" for a SS phono preamp.

Matching
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
My system is a little on the dark side and I've used many tube phono stages and now I'm finding that a solid state phono stage is really better for me. Helps the overall balance.
A classic example of applying a band-aid instead of addressing the problem at its source. That's not the path to high fidelity IME, certainly not at the performance level this thread is about.

If a system is a little on the dark side don't paper over the problem, identify which components make it dark and correct or replace them. It's impossible to counterbalance the distortions of one component by introducing distortions in another. In a sufficiently revealing system all you'll hear are the competing distortions.

Make each component as neutral as possible. That's what the best preamps or the best anything seek to do.

Harrumph! ;)

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