Stand-alone phono amps?

A "stand alone" phono preamp would presumably have no inputs other than for phono, as distinct from a "full feature" preamp, which, unlike a "line stage" one, would have provision for phono along with other inputs for CD, AM/FM tuner, and so on. An integrated amp would add a power amp to all this. There are dozens of "stand alone" phono preamps, some with and some without a volume control, which will be needed if the phono preamp goes straight (except for the volume control) into a power amp. I use "stand alone" phono preamps with (to control volume) so-called "passive preamps"--a misnomer, as often noted, since they don't amplify. I'm one of those who prefer the transparency and immediacy of a good passive to the seductive additions of even the best active preamps--for example, the CAT SL-1 Signature I used to own. Passives can use potentiometers but most would agree that the best use rotary switches and resistors in a "true ladder" configuration. www.goldpt.com is a great website for learning about several types of resistor-based passives, while www.bentaudio.com at least used to offer the makings for a transformer-based passive that some prefer. I've made both types and like the transformer-based type even better than two "true ladder" types I've built, one using Holco resistors, the other Audio Note Japan tantalum resistors. I like all three of them better than any active preamp I've ever heard; others disagree.

Thanks for the answers so far but to clarify, I was wondering if there are phono preamps with volume control (like the counterpoint SA-9) that don't need a separate amp. A typical integrated with a phono stage and line stage would be an example but I'm wondering if there are such units w/o a line stage. The counterpoint SA-9 is a phono "preamp" that doesn't need an amp in an all vinyl setup.

Checking the altavista site the SA-9 is referred to as a "phono-only phono amplifier"

Art Audio Vinyl One

I owned a Jadis DMPC before,the one for sale now is not by me...it is valve based and very musical ,but NOT for real low MC's outputs...has a volume control and had plenty of gain to drive my passive...most others use a j-fet or transformer to step up...plenty of good transistor based phono's around...I agree with Tom ,transformer based passive is the way to go,if you need also a CD input...matter of fact I did take the volume control on the Jadis DPMC out of the circuit and ran into the passive which was a improvement...now I am using a transistor based phono,with a valve amplifier...nice...hope this helps...

The art audio and Jadis look nice.

Hiradi, can you describe the sound of the jadis for me?

Thanks