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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 3 responses by lotus340r

lotus340r
32 posts
 
The two best Phono Stages I have heard (and I have heard many) are the Tom Evans MASTERGROOVE and the Allnic H3000V.

The mastergroove is the most accurate, neutral, distortion free phono I have ever witnessed but I use and prefer the H3000V.
lotus340r
32 posts
 
Hi Raul, a provocative post that makes a lot of assumptions. Let me just say that enjoyment, involvement and putting on another record are the absolute goals for me. If the components that do this are neutral or coloured is neither here nor there. I dont evaluate equipment cerebrally but use my heart. In fact some of the most neutral, accurate pieces i have heard ove the years have often also been the most tedious to listen to. I hope that helps.
lotus340r
32 posts
 
@Kiddman

Good call with the Ypsilon. Had the pleasure of one here for a few days and I agree that it's an amazing stage but of course at a very high price.

Like the Mastergroove and Allnic, in a different league to most mentioned on this thread. The Whests, rhea, steelhead, asr, art audio etc. are all very good and one can understand how an owner might imagine that there can't be much performance beyond them, but IME there most definitely is. I would also love to hear the vitus and i am told the thrax orpheus is also outstanding but the best stages I have heard just get you far far closer to the music, with less distortion, greater dynamics and just a higher sense of naturalness that makes other phono preamps sound veiled, electronic and almost mechanical..

I would also add the built in Soulution phono to the list as well, harder to fully appraise but its definitely right at the cutting edge of whats possible IMO.
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