The best phono stage out there?

"For me it seemed to happen with music that had real drive like the Electric pieces from Casino by Al DiMeola remember being told that it must be production on record from dealer"

"Casino" is one of my faves, played it many times on the Allnic 1500, wonderful rendition. All I can say is that my impressions in my own system do not agree that the Allnic doesn't rock or muddles amplified electric guitars, just the opposite, they thrash loud and clear.

Cjfrbw
I am happy that you have not encountered the same issue, it was so frustrating as a really nice phono stage but very happy with what I got now

Johnjc,

I am sure you heard what you heard when you heard it, it just seems an unfair generalization about the component given my own experience in owning and using the unit for over a year.
Synergies can make or break particular components, even the best, so building systems with components that work in conjunction with each other is tough, as I have learned. It isn't always easy to figure out where the synergy, or lack thereof, comes from. Been listening to Sonny Sharrock on the H 3000, what a blast.

Happy listening!

I heard the Audio Valve Sunilda this weekend and it's quite impressive. Eye candy as well.

There's been other posts regarding their linestage called Eklipse (sp) but that was not available for audition.

Disclaimer: no financial interest

In regards to battery powered phono stages, I would be grateful if anyone who has had a Sutherland Phd and has moved on to another phono stage could outline their reasons for doing so. Whenever the Phd gets discussed, it's quietness appears to be it's main strength. Would this not be the case for all other battery powered phonostages?

Thank you for the many responses. There are a few recurring names that I will try to get a hold of for audition in my system.