What is the best phono preamp you have heard?

Ensemble Fonovivo is the best I've heard, and nobody's mentioned it yet.

Phono section in NYAL ncp11, tube power supply. The VAC signature is warmer but quite good also.

I also like the Aesthetix, the Syrah, the Steelhead, and the Walker, but the H-Cat is superior to all of them by a big margin.

Since, I've never heard the IO Sig, I'd have to say Supratek. It may not be just a phono pre, but that's what I bought it for. Mine is awesome!

Anyone listened to the Graham Slee Era Gold Mk. 5?

4yanx, not yet.
So far everyone who has heard the Herron readily agrees its a great piece of engineering. Its a good match for the Dynavectors 0.25mv output. I don't quite understand how it works exactly, but it works fine at 47k ohms for low output mcs, sounding extraordinarily detailed and dynamic, not bright at all. In fact I've tried it with the Urushi, Allaerts and the owners said their carts never sounded better.

Manley Steelhead

WHAT make a pre-amp the (Best),what does it do that other will not do.Also in what type of system do this apply in, or is it every type of system.
Thank You

Pass Aleph Ono -- very good. Manley Steelhead -- awesome.

Pass Labs XONO, Rowland

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.

Herron Audio VTPH-1mc

1) Aesthetix Io Sig, dual power supplies.
2) Phono section in Halcro DM 10 pre amp
3) Aesthetix Rhea
4) BAT VKp10 SE

Yup, Aesthetix Io Signature. Simply unbelievable.

Patrick

Aesthetix Io Signature
... I'm not inclined to even go further.
.