The best phono stage out there?

The Boulder 2008 is probaly the best I've heard, but at $33,000 it is pricey. I own an Aesthetix Rhea that is very close to the Boulder, and an ASR Basis Exclusive that might equal the Boulder, but I have not been able to directly compare. For the price, the Rhea would be very hard to beat.

The best is the one YOU like the best, the question is how to find it; popularity polls are of little use. Set down the elements of sound reproduction that are the most important to YOU and try to decide which one you can afford matches it best. The beginning of wisdom in audio is the recognition that THE BEST does not exist and what you are seeking is the one that best conforms to YOUR ideal of sound reproduction. Being able to recognize what that ideal is is the end of wisdom in audio. On second thought, forget everything I have said. The constant search for the HOLY GRAIL provides old timers like me with a never-ending stream of great equipment at good prices.

The word 'best' exists for a reason. In the audio world though, defining what that even means is troublesome.

So what is the best? Is it something that everyone agrees on? no.

The best specs? Maybe, but likely not. Its now well-proven that what is important to our ears does not show up on paper very well, if at all.

I think it would be a bad idea to focus on any one characteristic and most audiophiles have different ideas about what is important.

So best, unfortunately IMO is only defined personally, and is inherently limited to the experience of the individual. IOW there can be something out there that is a whole lot better, but since its unknown to the individual, it does not exist.

So we ask. The problem here is that we have a vernacular that describes audio artifact or lack thereof, but the vernacular lacks the ability to transmit knowledge of intensity. The result is that one person can be describing a cheap transistor amp that might be the best they have ever heard, and the person he is talking to is used to much better equipment, maybe a $20,000 tube amp, yet they are using exactly the same descriptions to describe very different experiences.

So, IMO, while there is a best, there is no way that we can talk about it intelligently. So it might be wise to ask a different question!

The best I have listen to is the Boulder 2008.
I could not afford it, I purchased a Nagra VPS.
I have a Basis Debut with a Graham Phantum.
Cartridges I have are Lyra & Koetsu.
It sounds great

IMHO the best of anything is not necessarily the most expensive or even the best-sounding; it's the best you can get a deal on. Sort of like shopping the specials.

The best special I know of at the moment is an Audiomat 1.5 from UHF Magazine. I believe the one they are selling also has the new beefier power supply. This is a selloff because Audiomat will have a 1.6 model out soon.

There is something special about Audiomat gear, it really seems to bring out the life in the music. Other phono stages I've heard are also good, with different flavours, but this is the best sonic deal I know of right now.