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
You may wish to consider the Ayre P5xe-mp phono preamp with balanced in AND out as recommended by Ralph. Be sure to use it fully balanced. Keep in mind that Ayre could build a more expensive phono preamp if they thought a big improvement would be possible... But this is the one they use with their $10K+ table and best A/D to make high-res examples from LPs.
I have been using Croft phono amps for years and have never really felt the need to move. Stock it uses JJ tubes which are a little slow and colored for my taste. Switching them out for Telefunkens brings serious improvements in speed, clarity, transparency and air.
Oldears, I also recommend tubes and passive EQ. Preamps with passive EQ often exhibit less surface noise from the LP, even though they might have the same bandwidth.
I have yet to hear anything better than a Herron VTPH-2. Some come close, but "no cigar."