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
I just received a new Conrad Johnson TEA2 MAX last night. I have no idea how it stacks up with other top level phono stages, but I can tell you that it is the best one I have ever heard right out of the box. Wow!
Well, i'm not experienced with many phono stages, but for several years i use latest WLM PHONATA MC/MM with automatic impedance and two RIAA curves (one for vintage records and another for all others). The Phonata works very well between 25 till 100 ohm cartridges. For some very low impedance cartridges i use ZYX CPP-1 PRE-PRE AMP between the turntable and WLP PHONATA via MM.
lovin' my Audio Research PH-8. Prior phono stages were ARC PH-5 and PH-7se. The PH-8 Makes the other's sound broken.
Sure takes ARC a LOT of tries to get it right. No offense Oregonpapa---I have a PH myself (not an 8, though).