What is the Phono stage you have finished with?


Hello, Like many I have an e.a.r 834p, and it has served me well for many years, I am now however looking for a new MC phono stage. I am up for going quite a few stages up from the ear (so the next phono will last me a few years!).

Would like to hear from you guys who have already gone down this road!
Happy listening

Cheers
James
sme10
Five years later, still have the EAR 834p. I had Mitch Singerman replace the resistors with Caddocks and caps with Hovland Musicaps. I also use Telefunken Tubes in it. So it's a much improved version of the stock unit.
I can live indefinitely with the sound that I get from the EAR 834p. The only thing I miss is adjustable gain and loading.

Cheers.
I am very happy with my Aesthetix Io mk2 with volume, going direct to my amp, especially after I got a new set of tubes from Aesthetix. Blends well with the Krell. A friend has a Manley Steelhead and a good tube amp, going the other way so to speak. Each setup has its strengths; I enjoy the huge soundscape and dynamics of my own system.
James,
Lots of good choices out there. I am pleased with the
Tron Seven. I had a Steelhead before the Tron. My Tron was built for the higher output PC-1 but can be configured for lower voltage cartridges as well.
Good luck with your search.
After owning few phono stages - fm acustics 122, cj prem 15, pass xono, EAR 834, Mac c2300 - still have the last 2.

and listening to a hell of a lot more - sutherland PHD, EAR 88PB, Aesthetix IO, RCM phono, ARC PH5 & PH7, Manley Steelhead, Einstein phono, ASR exclusive,

I have ended up with TW Acustik as my main phono stage and could not be happier.

Pure tube gain with no noise, 3 inputs and 6 loading options from the front panel. kool 50's retro look as well.