Best Phono You've Heard Under $2200

“I just ordered the 9.0X . I also have a pair of Siemens E188CC/7308 gold pins coming. Curious, Did you upgrade the PC or Fuse. I don’t see anything listed about fuse value or if it’s even worth doing.”

I did not not change fuse, but I did change power cables that feed the PS along with the power cable that feed the phono preamp from the PS. Both made for a larger soundstage. The PS fuse is a 3A slow blo if I recall.

I also tried Siemens 6922 1960s NOS tubes in it. They are my second favorite, but the Bel/India (Philips SQ) was better overall. Something about there tonality that kept me going back to them. Amperex JAN USA 6922 were my third favorites and had the deepest, most slamming bass but are a touch in your face sounding compared to Siemens and Philips, both of which have great bass but not so in your face sounding. They also have a bit more decay that I liked. Herbies RX rings towards the upper half of the tubes also works wonders, but they don’t absolutely need them. System dependent.

“Some great choices here. I'm thinking about the Modwright PH9.0x. Does anyone have any experience with this one in relation to the others mentioned? I do own one of Dan's modded SACD players and love it.”

I have thePH9.0x upgraded from the PH9.0. The 9.0 is a great phono pre and about the equivalent to the Parasound JC3+ that I previously owned. The 9.0X really took it up a good notch! Huge soundstage, resolution and bass authority.

With Philips 6922 SQ tubes (or Bel/India equivalents at a cheaper price), I  can’t imagine anything near its price point sounding better. It’s that good! I’ve tried nos Mullards, various Amperex, GE and several others, but the Bel/I did was the most accurate and musical.