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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 7 responses by piedpiper

piedpiper
753 posts
 
Gerrym5 ,

how would you compare your choices, especially the Io and the Wavestream? I've heard both but not side by side.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
I'm sure the MBLs are wonderful, but so are a dozen others.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
add Lyra Connosuer, Wavestream Kinetics, VivA, and if you're on a budget, Artemis Labs and Hagerman Trumpet.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
oh, and at the same price as the Nova Phonomenon, the Heed, although it would be silly to consider either of those as a contender for best at any price.

dealer disclaimer, although not necessarily for all of my above suggestions.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
"I guess it all depends on what each of us is looking for."

well said. I used to think there was "an" answer. Perhaps I have grown up a bit afterall. ;-)

...and then there's the amp speaker relationship, and the cartridge phono stage relationship, etc..

Yes, Clearaudio , along with its phono stages is distributed here by Musical Surroundings and their dealers. They are also the distributors for Aesthetix.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
Wavestream Kinectics? I haven't owned or heard in my own system but was impressed with what I heard elsewhere.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
I notice that Zanden, ASR and Boulder were mentioned twice. Is that a clue that they're better? ;-)
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