What is the next Phono Pre-Amp for me?

There are some very good phono stages out there without doubt.
Sooner or later you have to choose it based on your own priorities.
Counting brands only is useless, you have to know what they can and what not.

- excellent sound ( + enough gain )
- reliability
- flexible in settings
- insensitive to microphonics or hum

maybe there are a few more, but these 4 are the most important ones and when all 4 are on the priority list, then there are not so much out there.....
( some like to play around with tubes or whatever, some are less interested it that, their priority is that is has to work the way it should when activated, and everyone has his own dream of course....)

One of the definetly best phono stages is the Stan Klyne 7 PX 3.5, it beats the ARC PH 3 easily.
Personally I am very careful about all the hype, most is written in magazines and is pushed by dealers to make some new money, and most is too optimistic, by far.
The next step above a Klyne is the CTC Blowtorch.

Cheers

I second Marakanetz's recommendion on the Herron VTPH MC version. The PH3 SE is a little analytical sounding unit for my tast and you must have MC cartridge with minimum 0.4mv (or 0.5mv if you want to stay on the safe side) or more in order to work well with the PH3 SE. If you happen to like the sound of the PH3 SE then the ARC Reference phono stage is a logical upgrade path. The IO is nice but tube maintenance is a big concern down the road.

Hi,
I had the Herron, a very nice unit, but I switched to the new Vendetta board in my CTC Blowtorch. In my system, it was much more resolving, more dynamic and still very musical. Plus I got rid of a set of IC's and an expensive power cord.

David

You may want to check the thread on "Preamp Deal of the Century". On the strength of discussion in that thread, I put my name down for a Supratek Syrah which is a preamp with seperate phono stage and the phono stage is supposed to be unbelievable. I haven't received my preamp yet - it's still being made (these things are hand-made by one person), but my expectations are high. It looks like over 10 other audiogon members have jumped on the Supratek bandwagon and noone is disappointed (yet, anyway). Good luck.