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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 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,415 posts
 
I notice that Zanden, ASR and Boulder were mentioned twice. Is that a clue that they're better? ;-)
As a matter of fact, the expensive Boulder is a very good phono. The asr is also OK -- but without the same level of performance (or I just don't like integrated circuits).

Amazingly, a modded EAR is also good and much cheaper.
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