Looking for phono preamp recommendations

I've been running a Koetsu Black Goldline since last fall. First with a 20+ years old ARC PH3-SE. No lack of soundstage, even then, let me tell you! So its certainly not the cartridge.

Then in December I got the Herron VTPH-2A phono stage. The Herron has got to be one of the all-time great bargains in all of audio. The music that comes out of this thing is really hard to believe, you just have to hear it. My review is here on the site somewhere. Short version, my wife who normally does not notice changes would not shut up about the Herron even though she was only hearing it through the door in another room. Through the door. The closed door.

Never heard the Manley only know it is so well regarded its hard to believe its to blame for your lack of imaging. Since you ask for recommendations though the Herron gets my highest.

@hambon
Your line section is balanced- were you thinking about a balanced phono section as well (all phono cartridges are balanced sources for what its worth)?

Yes- I was thinking of a balanced preamp. 

Any balanced phono preamps to recommend?

That's a bit tricky. A lot of preamp manufacturers haven't sorted out how to do the equalization properly in a balanced phono section, unless they are using an input transformer to convert to single-ended operation. So I've seen a few that made balanced phono sections and then later stopped.


We've been making balanced phono sections in our preamps now for 30 years, but we don't offer any that are outboard.