Phono stages belong to which tier?

Those of you judging the Rhea,are you using the latest "S" version in your comparisons? Just trying to figure how to weigh your opinions ,as the latest version is supposed to be significantly better than the non "S".

Doshi Alaap, tier 1+. Oh! Sorry. The Alaap is not on your list. I've heard it next to Aesthetix, Manley, and Raul's Essential and several others.

I would also add to the top teir the Allnic H 3000, with it's transformer coupled design.

Since I am not a ss guy, i can not comment on these designs, but have heard and am impressed with the Einstein.

I have owned an Aesthetix (IO) Eclipse and Manley Steelhead, currently own a Lamm LP 2 as well as the Allnic and consider them all amoung the best.

Where would you guys place the Linto?

I think there is more of a continuum than strict tiers - imo and in no particular order...

upper: ARC PH7, ARC Reference Phono 2, Atma-Sphere MP-1, Lamm LP2, Aesthetix IO Sig

middler: ARC PH5, Artemis Labs PH-1, Pass Labs XONO, ZYX Artisan, Aesthetix Rhea,

analogue playback is as volatile as speakers.
so it's tier 1.1.

Agree with Kurt Tank,

Highly subjective and debateable. There is some consensus that top tier phono preamps I suggest belong somewhere on the continuum:

a) I use the Aesthetix IO Signature with 2 power supplies and volume controls. Very spacious and wide sound stage almost unmatched in this regard, great bloom. Maybe not the highest of the hyper sonic highs but very natural like Carnegie Hall. Bass is very good.

b) Also have the Klyne 7X3.5 phono and it does the highs and bass but not quite as spacious, if I did not have the Aesthetix I could very very easily live with this. It is a work of art in design and flexibility. I really like this unit and I believe it could hold its own for a top tier component.

Nkj

Right off the bat, this is all HIGHLY subjective, and based solely upon opinion, mine in this case. (So, NO flames please) I highly value deep, dark, black backgrounds, so I tend to like solid state phono stages, (but that does not exclude a well made tube phono stage from making it into the top tiers of my list.)

So, ... First off, to be perfectly honest, I think you should specify which models, for those companies that you have listed, which more than one model.
(As an example, while the Aesthetix IO is a top tier phono stage, the Rhea, IMHO, is not. I would put it in the middle tier, as it was too noisy for my tastes. Nice features though, as I will readily admit.)

In addition, as much as I love Lamm equipment, (I own the M2.1 monoblock amps), I would not put the Lamm LP2 in the top tier either. It is much too limited in its applications, as it does not have much in the way of gain or loading adjustments.

Other top tier phono stages, (for me obviously), would be the ASR Basis Exclusive and I with you agree about The Einstein (the balanced version anyway), and the Manley (Steelhead), and, of course, the aforementioned Aesthetix IO.

Middle Tier phono stages would include the Ayre P-5xe (almost making into the top tier), The Ear 834, The ARC PH-3 (just barely making it), and of course the previously mentioned Aesthetix Rhea and Lamm LP2.

Lower Tier phono stages would be the Bellari, the NAD PP, the Grado PH-1, etc...

My two cents worth anway.