What is the Phono stage you have finished with?

Manley Steelhead. My last.

I can neither afford nor am I willing to spend more that $1000 on a phono amp. I had an early Croft Micro that I upgraded myself, doubling up the psu, upgrading the resitors and swapping out the stock tubes for Telefunkens and the output driver to a CV5042. It was really good. I currently have a newer Micro 25. I've rolled in GE JG 5751 in the phono section and a Telefunken driver. I don't think my front end 401/Decca Super Gold deserves spending anymore on the preamp. So this is going to stay!

Noro,
I thought the same thing, when I went from a PS Audio GCPH to a Simaudio LP5.3 with PS5.3 external power supply. retail was about $3000 and I got used for about $1250. but, when I got the opportunity to pick up my Manley Steelhead for a steal, and with its 3 phono and one line input and a multitude of gain and loading options, I had to try it out. And I am more than glad I did. The Simaudio was excellent, but the Steelhead is just another level entirely, and since I run multiple tables and arms, it really has the functions I need. I couldnt afford it either at its retail price, but keep looking long enough and deals do come up. You just have to snatch them when you can.

Hagerman Trumpet.

Nice to see he is making them again, plus the new reference.

Manitunc, I hear you. I guess I would have to hear it to be swayed to step up to the plate. I can buy a lot of records for that upgrade!