Stand out phono stages

I notice that Zanden, ASR and Boulder were mentioned twice. Is that a clue that they're better? ;-)

Piedpiper,
Regarding the doubles strictly a typo.
Would like to hear from goners who had the pleasure of owning some of these great phono stages, what were the phono stages that stayed and which were let go. And associated gear?

OK, I'm just starting to get a handle on the ZYX Artisan which on first listen is just outstanding. So far I think its better than my VAC Ren Mk2 (not sig) which was better than Aesthetix Rhea and almost as good as Doshi Alaaps in a head to head to head. Very strong and extended bass, and smooth top to bottom. Its only got about 15 hours on it, but it plays in the big leagues, IMO. Of course the synergy with ZYX Airy 2 SB cart may be a big factor ;~)

I notice that Zanden, ASR and Boulder were mentioned twice. Is that a clue that they're better? ;-)

As a matter of fact, the expensive Boulder is a very good phono. The asr is also OK -- but without the same level of performance (or I just don't like integrated circuits).

Amazingly, a modded EAR is also good and much cheaper.

Here is a list of phono stages mentioned above:
Aesthetix IO
Air Tight ATE-2
Nick Doshi's Alaap
Art Audio
ASR Basis Exclusive
Atma-Sphere MP-1
Audio Research PH7
BAT VK-P10SE
Boulder 2008
CAT SL-1
Clear Audio Balance Reference
Conrad Johnson TEA-1
Einstein- The Turntable's Choice
Raul's Essential 3150 Phono line Preamp
Klyne
kondo audio note m7 or m-1000 mkII
Lamm lp2
Lyra Connosuer
Manley Steelhead
Nagra PL-P
Sentec EQ-10
Shindo
Thor Cantatus or 3000
Tron
Vendetta Research
Viva
Walker Audio Reference
Wavac
Wavestream Kinetics
Zanden 1200

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Any others?

?? Fm Acoustics, Dartzeel, Supratek, Syrah, ZYX, Rowland,

For those on a budget the stand out phono stages for their price point could include these:
Acoustech
Art audio
Artemis Labs
Audio research ph3 or 5
Cary ph302
Conrad Johnson Premier-15
Ear 834p Modified
Eastern Electric mini max
Tom Evans Groove
Graham slee era gold V
Hagerman Trumpet
H-Cat
Heed
Herron VTPH-1
Herron VTPH-1
Jlti
K&K Kit
Nova Phenomena
Pass Labs Xono Pass Aleph
PS Audio GCPH
Simaudio LP 5.3
Sutherland
WhestPS.20
George Wright
VAC Ren Mk2
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For those analog philes in it for a while it is well known that synergy plays a big role, e.g. cartridge to stage tonearm to cartridge, hence all the different responses. This list was compiled mainly to include the names of excellent players that may have otherwise been missed due to the rarity of the product or little advertisement since it is a niche market.
Feel free to contribute.