Help,Allaerts or Transfiguration

Wow,Its great to see so many thoughtful comments.
I have a Temper V and find it to be far superior to the Benz Ruby it replaced.The output is on the lower side but my phono stage's gain is 73db and i experience the same results as Sirspeedy,dynamic with slam.I heard the Orpheus but cant comment on it.It just happened to be used when i was listening to a preamp at a dealership.I did think it was the best preamp I have ever heard but the cartridge could have more to do with it then i thought.
i haven't heard the Allaerts,but the importer is a first class guy.
I hope this helps.Good luck with your decision

Larryi and Sirspeedy.I'm really enjoying your conversation,although it does make me feel like a voyeur.
So i thought I would jump in.
As you are aware top line tubes have become obscenely expensive.About two years back I was with a friend visiting his father whom happened to be an antique radio collector.Tubes Galore.I had to leave the premises for fear of becoming a Cat Burglar.
On one occasion I also spent most of the night adding and subtracting damping fluid to my 2.5T.The following morning my wife told me my obsession is driving her crazy so to make thing right i sold the tonearm.Guys keep it going,really good stuff

Sirspeedy.my 2.5T was gold (Albert forgive me.).I think it was about $100 extra but I didnt want to wait any longer.Anyway its been long gone.
At my friends fathers home he showed me what he said was the first of its breed portable radio(circa 1948.)I'm not sure of the brand,as my head was spinning from my evil thoughts about all those tubes, but I think he said it was a Bendix.It weighed about 30 lbs.Imagine a 30 lb.portable radio.
Just reading the word digital hurts my ears.Hopefully the time will pass quickly and the Phantom will arrive save and sound.We await your thoughts.
Enjoy

Hi Larryi,You are correct.The Graham's as good as they are, can drive one to be obsessive.Because it is so easy to re-adjust you can spend your time tweeking instead of listening for pleasure rather than to hear which sounds better.Outstanding arm though,if only i could have let it be.
I went to a Kuzma Reference arm and now enjoy the Basis Vector 3 without the add ons..Do you have the 3 or the 4?

Larryi
It just goes to prove everything makes a difference.Any change that is made effects something else in the chain.
I have a tech that installed the arm and cartridge at my home.He stops by at times just to listen.All i do is sit back and smile.
I haven't heard the Fono but I listened to the Linea preamp and fell in love.If the Fono is even close to the Linea then I wish i were your neighbor.
Have you heard the Linea ? If so,how would you compare it to your Emotive.
Oem i'm sorry for hi-jacking your thread.Experienced analog and tube lovers are a treat to speak with