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 4 responses by topoxforddoc

Another vote for the TRON Seven (www.tron-electric.co.uk). Built to order by the designer (Graham Tricker) himself - you can have it matched to your pickup. Great build quality and great sound. Jeff at Highwater Sound in NYC distributes in the US.
Another vote for the TRON Seven.

Top class sounding tube phono stage with real quality build and bespoke components. Built to order and so you can specify MC gain, cartridge loading etc.
Have put my money where my mouth is. New TRON Seven Reference phono for my vintage Decca London C4E cartridge - stunning. Very different to my Allaerts MC1B through my TRON Meteor Preamp (with on board MC phono). Very happy with both options on my Platine Verdier.
The new TRON Convergence phone stage at USD 1.5k GBP 1k is unbelievably good at the money - nearly as good as my USD 7k (£4.5k) TRON Seven Reference. I heard one of the first production ones a month ago. Great sound quality with an ultra short signal path, choke regulated PS and great build quality. It's cheap, as Graham Tricker is selling it direct, making it amazing value.