Looking 4 a high quality phono line stage $5k-$8k


I'm considering moving away from my Ayre K-1xe preamp with phono and going to a dedicated phono pre instead. For table I have a Clearaudio Champion II with a Graham 2.2 arm and ZYX Airy 3 cartridge. The one thing I would like is a phono pre that accepts balanced input. Can anyone make suggestions on possible options and I'd also welcome any feedback on positive and negative attributes associated with a dedicated phono preamp. Thanks!
mmike84

Showing 1 response by audioquest4life

I have to agree with Rushton, the Aesthetix IO Signature is a great option, finding one used will be the problem. They show up every once in a while, but go fast.

I have to disagree about the recommendation for the ASR Basis Exclusive, it did not harmonize well with me or my system, it seemed to sterile sounding as I recall. It was very detailed but I thought it lacked some naturalness and thus caused my listening sessions to be somewhat less exciting then I thought they would be. Believe me, I wanted to like the ASR as I live in Germany and can get a great discount minus the VAT and pay the non-export price, but it did not happen. Good luck.

V/r
Audioquest4life