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Stand out phono stages

This topic has been started before by others and myself as well, maybe too many times, but it is worth revisiting since the source is so very important!
So far I have had the pleasure to enjoy two worthy phono stages: the EAR 834p and the JLTI.
I have to admit they are spectacular. Obviously the record and all the equipment downstream play a role in the sound heard. In some cases I prefer the JLTI and in other cases the EAR. But neither out do the other dramatically.
What phono preamps outshine others by a big margin, those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.
pedrillo

Showing 2 responses by downunder

downunder
1,329 posts
 
I have heard the AMR in a great shop and the ARC ref2 at home for a week.

IMO, the ARC ref2 is easily the better and the more musical sounding player. It really is superb, a really transparent and refined set of upper fruencies coupled with the best placement of instruments and effects that floats in a 3d soundstage I have ever heard.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Gents, take my thoughts on the AMR with a grain of salt, as it still sounded good. I heard it in the store with unfamilar equipment(horns), however unfortunately you cannot hear everything at home.

I did compare the AMR directly with the Air tight phono and Leben phono. the Air tight was more natural and 3d sounding. The AMR for such an expensive tube unit, was a little more mechanical in the upper frequencies vs the Air Tight
The AMR does have infinite flexibilty, so it should be able to be tweaked to sound better. However, I was really interested in the AMR and it just did not do it for me to investigate further.

Clearly if one can listen to the AMR at home, that is better.

The ARC ref2 OTOH was really good and sounded "musically right". Only thing lacking for me was a slight tonal weight in the bass - however the unit I listened to at home only had 150-200 hours on it. supposed to get more weight at 300-400 hours.

cheers
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