I wen`t from RP8/Ania combo, with the FONOMC III in place, to now own the P8/Apheta II and is about to purchase another phono stage. Tried both the Aria V2, Exposure 3010 & Lehmann BC SE II, and though they are very different indeed these stages, i think i go for the Lehmann? The Lehmann is without any doubt the most silent of the three. Not that this alone will decide it, but i`m having some trouble with the Aria in terms of hum/noise, and way too much than i can live with. The Aria is not defect by any means, but in my house (installing), there is way too much noise when using specific phono stages. The Exposure is not suitable for the Apheta in my opinion, as the lack of gain for that combo annoys me. But you won`t go wrong with that combo (P8/Apheta 2), or the new Apheta 3, which i haven`t heard yet? For the price, you can`t find anything better out there (imo)? 5 minutes and your up & running, and never have to think about settings (VTA, Azimuth, etc.)! Just plug & Play, and a very involving sounding set-up. Hope you choice will make u happy :-)
