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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 john_tracy

john_tracy
341 posts
 
Kevin Carter has a new differential phono stage in prototype that is said to "blow-away" the current SE kit. It uses the new Lundahl input trannies, cascode CCSs, and a full differential topology. I can't wait to get my hands on one. The bad news is: the price will probably be in the 4-5K range.
john_tracy
341 posts
 
I have been enjoying the beta release of the new K&K Audio 3 stage, fully differential, transformer (Lundahl amorphous of coarse) coupled phono pre now for several months. In every way it out performs the SE version. Dynamics, sound staging, flow, pace, transparency, natural timbres, etc. I haven't heard anything better. At Kevin's suggestion, I recently replaced all grid-stopper resisters with smaller value 10 ohm Audio Notes. Nice improvement. Music is even more incisive with better dynamics. I've been so impressed with it that I've rebuilt my line stage with the same circuit as stage 3 of this phono pre. When the retail version of this unit becomes available they will be pricey ( all that Lundahl iron, 2) LL1931 MCs, 2) ITs and 2) line out , plus large PS trannie and choke ), but well worth checking out.
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