Phono Stage to replace Sonic Frontiers Phono 1

Bingo - John. This is the stage I was referring to and I will put mine to the same challenge, including anything up to the Aesthetix IO.

You may also want to check out the Hagerman Trumpet. It is a little more than you want to spend new but is an outstanding buy for the money.

I've heard the Phono1 and thought the exact opposite as "highs" go. I was hearing a a Benz Lo4 and and Aries. I found it really smooth and warm, the same went for hearing it with a totally differnt deck/arm/cart. In fact I have been trying to match what I heard and cannot. I'd look at something else as the cause. I'd try differnt tonearm cables first if you can. I really think the Phono1 is not the problem

Try Acoustech PH-1P $1500.00 list new. Can find at normal discount. I watch for one to come up used for A long time no luck. For what its worth its rated in Stereophile class A
I know. But is A good phono stage.

If I were you, I'll get a full function preamp like counterpoint SA-5000 with a seperate amp like Mac MC240