What is the BEST phono stage

It's not a question of better or best, it's more about what works with your other components and how that fits your own preferences. Do you really know what you are looking for? Remember, you're the person who couldn't figure out how to connect the Manley to your preamp. I strongly recommend you get dealership type help. It's easy to buy very nice components, but their ultimate performance is only achieved through careful setup and system matching.

Hey Tjnif,
Raquel is right
Soundsmith is one of the "best" analog cart/phono combination that I've l know of. Is there something better..., possibly . I just haven't heard it yet.
All I can say is this:
If I could afford it right now,
I would be a happy man.

One day .........maybe?

I agree with Downunder. I recently purchased the EAR 88PB phono preamp. It is a wonderfully imaging, extremely musical unit. I've previously owned or home auditioned the following preamps: Supratek Cortese, Shindo Masseto, Audio Note M3, Joule Electra LAP 150 and Audio Horizons TP2.1n/TP 8.0iMCPn. Though each possessed excellent individual traits, none were able to satisfy me as completely as the EAR. With sound this good, I don't miss cds one bit.

I agree with Topoxforddoc- give the Tron Seven some consideration. I had a Steelhead and sold it for the Tron Seven. It sounds wonderful with my Raven TT, Graham Phantom and Air Tight PC-1 and is less expensive than the Steelhead. Call Jeff Catalano at Highwater Sound to discuss if you have interest.
Good luck with your search.

Tjnif, I too am using the Debut but with Vector 4 and Orpheus. If you are not getting the Synchro Wave PS may I suggest you do?

I have recently changed from a Xono to the ASR Basis Exclusive and I am very, very impressed with the ASR from every performance parameter. You will not find a quieter phono stage and the low level detail retrieval is exceptional. You will hear things you have never heard on your recordings before. Add to this great sound staging with all instruments clearly defined on that sound stage and the depth is again top notch. Follow up service and advice from Herr Schafer and his team in Germany is excellent. Can you tell I am happy with the ASR? You need to hear it!