Stand out phono stages


This topic has been started before by others and myself as well, maybe too many times, but it is worth revisiting since the source is so very important!
So far I have had the pleasure to enjoy two worthy phono stages: the EAR 834p and the JLTI.
I have to admit they are spectacular. Obviously the record and all the equipment downstream play a role in the sound heard. In some cases I prefer the JLTI and in other cases the EAR. But neither out do the other dramatically.
What phono preamps outshine others by a big margin, those that can be considered the last phono preamp ever needed.
pedrillo
Well, i'm not experienced with many phono stages, but for several years i use latest WLM PHONATA MC/MM with automatic impedance and two RIAA curves (one for vintage records and another for all others). The Phonata works very well between 25 till 100 ohm cartridges. For some very low impedance cartridges i use ZYX CPP-1 PRE-PRE AMP between the turntable and WLP PHONATA via MM.
lovin' my Audio Research PH-8. Prior phono stages were ARC PH-5 and PH-7se. The PH-8 Makes the other's sound broken.
Sure takes ARC a LOT of tries to get it right. No offense Oregonpapa---I have a PH myself (not an 8, though).
The new TRON Convergence phone stage at USD 1.5k GBP 1k is unbelievably good at the money - nearly as good as my USD 7k (£4.5k) TRON Seven Reference. I heard one of the first production ones a month ago. Great sound quality with an ultra short signal path, choke regulated PS and great build quality. It's cheap, as Graham Tricker is selling it direct, making it amazing value.
The best phono stage I have experienced is the built-in phono from Plinius M16P preamp.

Has somebody gathered all recommended phono stages and ranked them yet? I wonder whether MAGI Phonomenal phono stage was mentioned at all. I have not used it, but I am thinking of ordering one. What is good about is it has two MM phono inputs. I prefer two MMs rather than one for MM and one for MC since I would rather use an SUT for MC cartridges. I also have a separate tonearm/table for mono and MM cartridges, so multiple input is a must.