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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 5 responses by nilthepill

nilthepill
842 posts
 
Zanden 1200. Vendeatta Research
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Sirspeedy,

I have the Zanden 1200 phonostage and yes , like Roy Gregory says it is one of the great phono stages I have owned. The manual has table to set appropriate RIAA curve selection for many labels. You can clearly listen the sound snap in place(tonally- Thin and excessively body becomes natural respectively)when a right curve is chosen. Like all the other Zanden components, this one is no exception: it performs at whole another unthinkable level.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Exlibris, No I have not.
Although at one time Aesthetix Io was on my short list for potential phonostage prior to my ownership of Vendetta and the Zanden 1200.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Exlibris, That is what I did. I had opportunity audition Zanden products at home. It started with the DAC signature, then the Transport w/ I2S i/f. The Combo was and is so good that I got the phonostage. It immediately surpassed the Vendetta (harmonic richness/realness, may be not dynamics). So i had to have Linestage try. It too lived beyond my expectations and bettered the MBL 6010D (Once again harmonic richness/realness) I could have gotten the IO for audition too, but Zanden synergy was a big plus in getting these components. Next up is the the 9600 monoblocks for audition. I am keeping my finger crossed. All the best to you with the I0.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Detlof, Let us know how Wavac works out with the 9600. I am eager to lay my hands on the 9600 before my 'fortune' changes;-)
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