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List of top phono preamps best

I know I have pounded away at this topic but i'm on a mission. I am looking for a phono preamp preferably with balanced circuit and output and want something that approaches the best. I am very fond of the sound of the ear834p which is in my system now, maybe this can offer an idea of what kind of sound I appreciate. The list I have compiled is: BOULDER (out of reach), AESTHETIX IO SIG.. (too many tubes and runs too hot), MANLEY STEELHEAD (a serious contender), LAMM LP2(another contender), PASS XONO (in the ball park), EAR 324 (another serious choice), BAT VK P10(also excellent), CONRAD JOHNSON PREMIER15, ZYX ARTISAN, AUDIO RESEARCH REF or ph?, AESTHETIX RHEA(was considering), ASR BASIS EXCLUSIVE, CARY PH301 or 302, LINN LINTO, HERRON VTPH-1, TOM EVANS THE GROOVE, ART AUDIO, WHEST PS.20. And there are more. What would be your top picks under $3000. used, preferably with balanced?
pedrillo

Showing 2 responses by david12

david12
1,454 posts
 
"You may want to check out the K&K Audio and Hagerman Trumpet phono stages as well. I know the Hagerman is available as balanced in your price range and I believe the K&K is as well".

The K&K does have balanced and single ended outputs. I use the single ended, so can't comment on the balanced output, but it is a great choice. It may not look exciting, but it sounds detailed, dynamic, with a wide, deep soundstage. You can have one made at minimal cost, for $1950
david12
1,454 posts
 
I used the Clearaudio reference, the immediate predecessor to the current Balanced reference and was quite disappointed, very polite, no real dynamics and quite expensive too, even 2nd hand. I have heard the balanced reference is a step up on the earlier unit, but it needs to be.
I have heard the Whest and prefer it to the more expensive Tom Evans groove, though both were good units. Whest have a new reference MC only phono stage at nearly double the cost, no reviews and I have'nt heard it yet. Neither the Whest or Tom Evans matched my K&K phono stage, but that just matches my preferences of course
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