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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 t_bone

t_bone
1,182 posts
 
I can second Swampwalker's opinion that ZYX Artisan is very good. I have not compared it in the same system with all the great ones noted above, but I have heard some of them in systems I greatly respect and enjoy, and have no desire to 'upgrade' to one of those other megabuck phono stages. I think the Artisan swings above its weight (both figuratively and literally - the thing weighs almost nothing). I have also used it in mono and compared it against the Zanden mono stage reasonably extensively (got an offer I could not refuse on the Zanden). The ZYX is smooth and silky and does not sound 'solid-state-y' to my ears, but the Zanden does have a bit more lushness (euphonia).

Among those above which I have heard, if they were all the same price, the one I would choose would be the Connoisseur. I have heard one twice, and each time was wonderful. I also like the line stage.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
Steve, the C-17 is the other headamp I want to try. I'd love to find one but as you note, they are rare indeed.
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