pani,
I am a vintage guy, initially I used a mark levinson 25L phono stage. In the late 80's I became a mark levinson fan, but eventually abandoned the brand and went back to vintage gear from the 60's & 70's.
The levinson is very very good. I had a little noise in the left channel and sent it out for service, then just using my preamps built in phono stage, which I hadn't done in years. At the time I was switching between my marantz 7 / Phase Linear 400 combo and my Sansui 9090DB. The phono in the Sansui is remarkable its so good.
I have a client who has a EMT 930 with the 139st, and that preamp has a sonic character that is nuanced, dynamic, & smooth. No matter what cartridge you're using, those traits come through in spades. I wanted one, still kinda do.
I haven't heard any 139st clones or re-manufactured ones, so I can't comment on those. I would imagine that if you can get one re-manufactured by EMT, then you should be golden. It's a superb choice.
Keep in mind, that the 139st when compared to my levinson 25L, is more laid back. Initially you will think that you are missing something, until you realize everything is THERE... it's just that the presentation is so wonderfully smooth and articulate that it takes you back a little. Hence my reference to it being hypnotic.
