Anyone compare budget phono oft recomended?

I have a PS Audio GCPH in one room,and a Steelhead in another. Have A/B'd them side by side numerous times. What you pay for in the Manley is superior enunciation of individual instruments. It rocks with violins, sax, voices etc. Imaging is near equal, the Manley has better depth, the PS Audio more concise and stable horizontal placement. The Manley has a more liquid mid and high range with a flatter bass response. The PS Audio sounds like it has a db or two less around 110hz. Very slight edge to the Manley for punch/dynamics, but it's pretty close.

That said there have been plenty of times I've been perfectly happy listening to the PS Audio. It's pretty remarkable for the price.

As some may remember from other threads, I too have a GCPH. I have heard many phono pre's and I would concur with Duaneadam that the GCPH is quite something at it's price point and I got it on sale so it was even cheaper. The reticence at 110 idea is interesting. I am currently listening/modding a JD9 because the GCPH is not as warm as I would like. I will say that in my setup the GCPH is very detailed yet not harsh in the upper highs. Probably in some systems that may tip negatively as my NAD M3 is not the fastest/most detailed integrated. But I knew that when I bought it.

I wonder if the HIFICRITIC guy got a bad sample or they made him mad.

Take it EZ,
Robert

The standard project phono box is a very good performer for less than 2 bills...behaved like a much more pricey pre....transparent, fast, with punchy bass...a touch lean and a bit clinical for some....but one could do far worse...ck it out

I was able to get a rega mm and a project phono box for less than $200 shipped for the pair. I am pleased to play with these till my budget will allow for an upgrade or preamp change.

I also have a GCPH that I purchased new for 499. It has been used alongside a Simaudio lp5.3 and what little difference there might be is not noticeable to me as one being better than the other.