What is the best phono preamp you have heard?

Interesting the mention of the Herron. Cmk, have you ever heard it in conjunction with the VTSP-1A linestage? Having already bought a K&K phono stage (which I think is as good as most anything up to the Io non-signature) I decided not to get a VTPH-1mc when I bought the VTSP-1A, but understand it is a fine piece.

I have pined for a Io Sig. Mebbe some day.

When the opportunity comes, it would also be great to hear the Aesthetix IO, Lamm LP2, Klyne, Nick Doshi’s, Audion Quattro, Raul's phonostage, Messenger (this along with Raul's, the Doshi and Audion are full function preamps), FM Acoustics, Connoisseur, and Boulder.

Raul's phonostage? Has anyone actually heard one of these besides Raul?

Perhaps not....

Didn't Kevin Carter or K&K Audio phono stage fame design the Renaissance when he was with VAC? The K&K bested the Io (non sig) Rhea, and Klyne in the test we did. Never heard the Supratek

I live and work in the Valley. Who is your board supplier?