Experiences on Tom Evans phono stage ?

I changed from the Audio Research PH3SE to the Tom Evans Groove about 3 years ago and have enjoyed it ever since. They usually go for under $2000 used. It is slightly on the dark side in terms of air, but the wonderful silent jet black background allows all the small nuances in the music to come forth and be noticed - this along with effortless bass production made listening to my music much more enjoyable. Otherwise you can go for a Manley Steelhead version 1 if you have $3000 to spend. I have never listened to the Manley yet.

I think you should have a look at Modwright tube phono stage before you make your purchase. I have tested it against several phono stages like SAP, and Graham Slee, and I kept the Modwright.

Take a look at the ASR Mini Basis Exclusive. I just put one into my system and I am stunned!!

Bill

I have had an Art Audio Vinyl Reference and an ARC PH7 in the past. I currently have a TE Groove plus SRX and it is by far the best phono stage I have owned and heard in any system. The loading settings are configurable and it is more expensive but worth the money in my opinion. The transparency, imaging and dynamics are really very impressive. I now also own the Tom Evans Vibe preamplifier and Linear B monoblocks which drive my Wilson MAXX 2's. I have never been happier. My previous preamp was an ARC Ref 3 and my power amps were ARC Ref 210's.

I used the Microgroove plus for 2 years. I liked it, but changed to a K&k as bmckenny suggested and I much prefer it, for similar money. The TE is good, but the K&K much better, more musical, if one is allowed to use that term anymore. Very low noise, I can use a very low output Koetsu Onyx with 63db of gain and it is still very noise free