Phono Stage Question

There are alot to choose from even in that price range. The EAR is very nice but twice the price of what you're considering. What is your budget? What is your taste in sound? What is the rest of your system? Are you wanting to buy new or are you willing to buy used? Do you want the capability of playing lower output MCs or are you happy to narrow your options to outputs higher than 1 mv?

Have a look at the Trichord Dino and the Mark Evans The Groove...

Dewald

Although I do not own it, I would seriously consider The Juicy Music Tercel. I had Mark's Blueberry Extreme preamp for a 14 day audition and I was impressed. The BB Extreme has the Tercel as it's phonostage. It has a smooth yet detailed sound that I would liken to a refined 1970's vintage Marantz/Kenwood receiver sound. Very nice, IMHO, and Mark Deneen is a super guy to talk too and deal with.

Good luck!

I have had both the EAR 834 and the GCPH. I prefer the EAR over the GCPH. But, I now have an Eastern Electric Minimax and imho is a much better sounding phono than the ear or gcph.

No reviews on web yet but I have heard Simaudio LP5.3 is good.