Looking for phono stage recommendations

Sirspeedy - I really don't know what to get right now. I talked to Mehran about the ZYX, but he's only ever had one of them and I don't think he ever heard it in his own system. It sounded like he sold it right from the factory. He does have three other (It think) pre-orders, but...

I forgot to list the Rhea, but the only one I can find here is from Zhusain who was rather snippy in response to a question I asked him once, so I prefer not to deal with him. I love Aesthetix stuff and if I could afford it I would get the IO or the signature.

The problem with most of the recommendations is that I can not hear them within four hours from my home, and some not even that close.

I never thought about the Klyne, but I do have the 7LX3.5 that was upgraded a couple of years ago by Stan Klyne. I might have to give that some serious thought.

Keep the ideas coming.

I do think that the X-Ono is one of the best units available, but it is not the best. Since it can be bought used for around $3000, I would have say, at that price it is a steal! It is very quiet, dynamic, fast, and versitile.

I think I have a pretty good system, other than my speakers, but I continue to hear new things as I'm listening to more vinyl. I replaced my table/arm/cartridge recently so I am going back to things I haven't heard in a while, but in doing this, I'm learning a lot about my system, including the Pass Labs. I have some serious upgrades in the pipeline on the front end, but even now, my phono sounds amazing. At least to me...

I'm not really sure what you're looking for, but if you were looking at a $7000 phono section, I would check out the Manley Steelhead. If you want to spend a lot less, but get darn close, the X-Ono will do it for you.

I have considered the Sutherland, but the report I heard back about it was that it lacked detail and dynamics.

sirspeedy, in Wisconsin we don't typically worry too much about heat. It's usually the lack of heat that's a concern. I have a basement listening room so it tends to stay cooler there anyway...

I haven't sent the money yet, but it looks like I will end up with the Pass Labs X-Ono. It was very well reviewed, and the friend who owns it say it is fantastic. If it's better than my Aleph Ono I will be happy, and by all accounts it is quite a bit better. Wish me luck...

Jafox
I hadn't really looked at it tubes vs Solid State. I was looking for the best phono for the money. I am still considering ordering a Supratek Cortese, but it takes about five months to get one.
If I go that route, I can sell my Klyne and the Pass Labs to go to the Cortese which has the best phonostage that Supratek makes.
Time will tell...