I did a load of tests about 6 years ago and gave it to the Whest 0.2 in my system.
That said, I loved a custom made phono stage by Paul Hynes - who unfortunately no longer makes them anymore- shame - coz it was the nicest sounding phono stage of the lot.
For sheer unfatiguing musicality, believe it or not, the EAR 834P is very good indeed.
I tried a Klimo VIV and found it to be lacking both grip and drive.
Many will disagree, but in my system I was spectacularly disappointed with 'the groove' by tom evans. I am told that his latest phono stage is very good, but if it is more of the same of 'the groove' then I'm not sure if I would like it. I will say, howevver, that the best reviews for the Groove have come from valve based hifi amplifier systems, so my transistor Lavardin IT may not be the best match.
If money were no object I would try out the Whest reference (hence I won't audition it!).
That said, I loved a custom made phono stage by Paul Hynes - who unfortunately no longer makes them anymore- shame - coz it was the nicest sounding phono stage of the lot.
For sheer unfatiguing musicality, believe it or not, the EAR 834P is very good indeed.
I tried a Klimo VIV and found it to be lacking both grip and drive.
Many will disagree, but in my system I was spectacularly disappointed with 'the groove' by tom evans. I am told that his latest phono stage is very good, but if it is more of the same of 'the groove' then I'm not sure if I would like it. I will say, howevver, that the best reviews for the Groove have come from valve based hifi amplifier systems, so my transistor Lavardin IT may not be the best match.
If money were no object I would try out the Whest reference (hence I won't audition it!).
