Which phonostage is a heavenly match for a XV-1S

Ecka,
better watch out here :-) 'cause that Manley Steelhead will use a step-up in the MC section as well. Just in case that was not entirely clear.

The Einstein: Design discrete (24 single transistors per channel) i.e. no tubes

Two VERY different pres those aught to be hm.

Axel

Ecka,
THE BEST PHONO-STAGE (never mind heavenly :-) is one that is **INSIDE** a good line-stage.

No extra cables, connector plugs, different power supplies, doubled up gain-stages, etc.

That will make your pickings a lot easier in deed. And there are some you should consider.

If you want to do it RIGHT, I'd say consider going all the way.
Cheers,
Axel

>>> It is ALWAYS about implementation <<<

very true, but top **inside** implementation aught to outperform top **outside** implementation.

The problem with a lot of good circuits is actually IMPLEMENTATION.
Any really good discrete component will cost often > 10x the price of one that ~ also can do...

I learned that lesson big time during x-over upgrading. No reason at all to think this be ANY different at all with other components.
A.