Advice on phono pre

You will get as many different opinions as you do answers. So I will throw my hat in the ring with the K&K Audio Maxxed Out phono stage. I am a big fan of Kevin Carter's work and this phono preamp is a real stand out. There was a recent review in the press (positive feedback, IIRC) and lots of happy owners who have posted about it.

Shakey

Zd542,
That is a tough question. I will probably try a MC in the future,
as I'm coming from a ZYX Yatra HO.For now, tho, the Sound-smith is what I'm going to use. It's new,still breaking in...

In December, I got a Van Alstine phono preamp. It is both MM/MC, and it sounds great.
I posted a review of it over on Audiocircle, in the AVA section

SMc Audio upgrade to any existing McCormack phono capable product. What's great about this is, pay for what you can afford and if its enough - your done. If you get the itch later, SMc can continue to improve your sound for again, whatever you can afford. Steve knows audio and you will be very happy.

I've been using a Herron VTPH-2 for a while. I haven't heard anything as good, nothing better. Prior to the VTPH-2, I was using a VTPH-1mc. It was excellent, but not up to the VTPH-2. As I said, I haven't heard anything as good as a VTPH-2.

The VTPH-2 has an advantage of being "cartridge output neutral" since it has inputs for high output carts as well as low output carts.

Did I mention that I haven't heard any phono stage as good as a VTPH-2?

Herron Audio is very easy to work with and has an outstanding product line. Herron Audio would be on my very short list of manufacturers to use.

On the table side, have you listened to a Classic 2 or Classic 3? And I understand the 3D arm on the Classic 3 is a combination very hard to beat (though pricier than the Prime).

Bill