Stand out phono stages

Hi, I had a chance to get a MasterGroove used. When received I found out that the hum/buzz sound was little exaggerated. I did rather away contacted Tom Evans as the MasterGroove is stile under warranty.
Tom explain to my that this high end Phono Stage has a little modification and also can be configured as request according to PickUp and Setup.
Indeed Tom take it back for revision and upgrade and all this works for FREE, smooth and perfect.
If I have to say something about Tom Evans I only will say that he provides High Level support and service with out any doubt.
Now back the the most important question, What is The MasterGroove?
I won't discuss Vinyl or Digital sounding in this issue, but I heard vinyl sound better than CD, this is was not proved for me as I own one of the best CD player in the market, but I never giv up to find a vinyl grey that probably will sound better! from one upgrade to another; pickups, cables tonearms TT etc.. still nothing done the work better than the MasterGroove. Indeed the MasterGroove is a Master WORKS phono stage just 1 minutes playing and you are totally convinced of the high level and the sound that this box produce. The MasterGroove just produce what you want to hear. I don't want to mention the others phono stages I had, but today I'm quit satisfied with this astonishing product. It took times, cost lot of money during times but the MasterGroove is a Myst to have.

I will add the LKV Research Phono 2-SB

I second that Jtsnead, I spent a lot of time with the owner and his phono pre at an audio show and it sounded very nice - simple, well built and not over engineered.

I have considered getting one but really do prefer tubes.

My modified Essential 3160 is simply phenomenal in its new manifestation. It is the best I have heard although no longer available (at least to these specifications!). It now carries my unreserved recommendation among the S.O.T.A contenders.

I'll still try to keep abreast of other developments and hopefully be encouraged to try something else out at some date: probably in the far off, distant future.

"What about the Audio Research REF PH2SE"- Mbovaird

INHO, this is indeed one of the great ones. Night and day difference from my previous best, the Aesthetix Rhea.