phono stage or preamp suggestions

I use a Pass Aleph Ono phono preamp and I am very happy with the performance. The unit has been on the Stereohile Class "A" list for awhile (not that that means anything in particular). It will probably fall off on the next list as it has been replaced by the Xono. The unit is very flexible with internal switches allowing MC loading to be adjusted from 5 Ohms to 47,000 Ohms. Output is adjustable from 62 dB to 76 dB of gain. Sound wise the unit tends toward the detailed and analytical side with a large, deep, precise soundstage. With the replacment of the unit it will probably start to show up used now, I believe I saw one here on Agon recently. Good Luck, Doug

I sold a CAT SL-1 III with factory simplified signal path and went to an AHT DM-P phono preamp, which I built a super high quality stepped attenuator into (making a chassis that held them both). In general, if you can do this or have it done, I'd recommend a good phono stage with sufficient gain (like the Pass Aleph Ono) and NO active preamp, just a stepped attenuator built in (in the sense that no additional cable or connectors are used). I've never looked back with any regrets, though people rave about the CAT's phono stage. I couldn't put up with using its inferior volume control. I can get away with no active preamp, however, only because my CD player goes straight into a power amp, which lots of them do these days. And I do have to change cables between CD's and LP's, which some would regard as too inconvenient.

Try to find an older Counterpoint SA-9 AKA Magnum Opus. These are real sleepers, not found very often used but worth the search, can drive any cart, has both mm and mc inputs for those who use two tonearms, volume control, can switch loadings on the front and they look cool. Should be about 2000.00 to 2500.00 on the used market. Never figured out why these didn't get more press.

Thanks for the interesting information,I will keep looking for a phono stage. Thanks for the effort on my behalf, Cheers Thor(from Vancouver B.C.)