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Phono stages belong to which tier?

I feel the phono stage is the most critical component in an analog system since it is an important part of the source. Which phono stages have you heard and in which tier would they fall in 1st 2nd or 3rd?
From reading the threads here: aesthetix, manley, lamm, fm acoustics, einstein would probably fall in the 1st.
Please include stages that have been listened to extensively and those that have been heard breifly.
pedrillo

Showing 1 response by layniesdad83

layniesdad83
28 posts
 
Another Whest owner here. Whest makes ONLY phono stages.  I have a PS30RDT-Special Edition--absolutely dead quiet.  I bought a B-stock from the factory for less than  Ebe  quoted a  30rdt. Upgraded from a Moon 5.3.  No comparison--one thing I was after was tonal color/accuracy, which this has--the 5.3 is a good  'stage for the price, but tonal color discrimination on orchestral instruments lacking.The 30 series has been replaced by the 40 series. They make at least 6 models, the top of the line the $18k monoblocks.  Gain adjustable from 44 to 72 db.  I have a Soundsmith 'the Voice' which has 2.2 mV output--needs around 55db gain, many 'stages aren't that flexible.  Just not many dealers in US.  I agree with your statement of importance of phono stage--James told me I was overbuying in the SE, but I'll never have to upgrade again.
Good luck, and enjoy.
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