what phono amp for a VPI scout with Lyra Dorian

Well, I think you could say that most gear have their own sonic signatures. That said, I don't feel the Mini Basis is dark. Now remember that I am using the MK II Exclusive version with the updated chip. I never heard the basic MKI version. And not knowing your friends system, it would be hard to comment on what he was hearing. But in doing my research before I bought, I never ran across anybody saying it has a dark signature. In fact, I only saw extremely positive reviews.

I received the Dynavector P 75 and it sounds good right out of the box, suppose to improve greatly with break in. Only trouble, has internal dip switches to adjust loading, very small, can't even see them. Probably not a problem for those of you who can't remember WW11. Haven't used ASR but have heard good things about it from friends.

You should also take a look at Modwright Instrument SWP 9.0SE phono stage. I am using one with my VPI Scout and is very happy with it. I settled on the Modwright after trying several phono stages such as Graham Slee Era Gold, SAP, and the built in phono stage in my McIntosh C2200 pre amp. All were good but I kept the Modwright.

I have a VPI and a Lyra cart and the EAR 834P is my phone preamp choice. Great synergy.

I was using a Sutherland Ph3d with my Scout (and Benz Micro Ace L) and had fantastic results. Have since moved on to Aires 3 with Dynavector XX2 mkII and Sutherland Hubble.