Looking for the best Preamp with a phono circuit built in

Frank makes great gear. He started out modding Dynaco PAT-5 preamps back in the day.

You should consider Audible Illusions Modulus 3, 3A or 3B. Great used pricing available on the A’Gon market site for a M3 preamp right now.

Here is a link to AI’s website:
http://www.audibleillusions.com

OP: I have no reservations with any preamp the posters rave about. Go try to listen to them if you can. 

All the AI Modulus preamps that I have owned (2B, 3A and 3B) have had a dual mono configuration, which included 2 separate volumes pots—one for each channel. So channel balance was adjusted by the two separate channel volume pots being at different levels. The other two large knobs on the Modulus 3, 3A and 3B are input selector and source/tape controls. The Modulus 2 handles those input and tape selections by a set of push buttons rather than rotary knob controls.

The simplicity yet pain of a two knob master volume control is adjusting the overall levels of output voltage to the amp(s) will require one to also maintain proper signal balance by adjusting both volume pots to a given level and then making slight micro adjustments to correct the balance if needed for a given environment. As shown below, this is alleviated by having two channel level trim pots under the control of a third “master” level volume control that maintains the relative levels set by the 2 channel trim pots as the overall volume level is increased.

Now the Modulus L1 through L3A units are line stage preamps lacking a phono stage circuit (hence these units have 2 tubes instead of 4 tubes found in the full preamps). These line stage preamps devote 2 knobs to control voltage signal levels to each channel (designated “left” and “right”) that act as a balance control when used in combination. Another knob, labeled “volume” is the master volume control for the outputs to the mains (1 and 2) as well as the headphone amp section built into this unit. I have this setup on my Juicy Music Blueberry Extreme full function preamp (2 channel trim pots and a master volume control pot). The other (4th) large knob on the AI L1-L3A line stage preamps is the input selector. The source/tape switching is handled by a set of push buttons, akin the the AI Modulus 2 series preamps.

(Note added in edit: This is a popular circuit design set up, as Ralph explained above for his preamps.)

ketchup, the Positive Feedback pic is of the AI line stage, not the full function (with phono circuit) preamp. There is a reason why AI did this for their line stage. The left+right trim pots control balance and enabling a third pot to control master volume provides convenience for the headphone amp (plus the 2 main outputs).

ketchup, per discerning your hearing differences vs environment, go listen to music reproduction in several different environments. That should resolve the hearing differences vs environment differences issue. 

Ralph’s preamps look great. Every time I visit his site, they look better every time. I had a BAT VK50 preamp back in the day. All balanced design from inputs to outputs. I’ve gone back to SE RCA’ed designs, but my heart lingers for that balanced purest design. 

dB Systems would be a great choice for solid state. 

Ralph, I get what you are saying. So you are speaking/preaching to at least a choir of one. lol. The truth is not biased, but I know you speak the truth--and yes, you are biased to the extent that you believe the truth you speak.