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
11flat6- you see it on my page. best ingredients, short signal way. I can show you more images, also of the interior when you send me an e-mail.
If you really want to go for it I can bring you in contact with the producer.
I have a question for the high $$$ phono amp specialists .
Does the zanden model 1200 have a way not using the step up transformers .
As i can read on the zanden site is that the 1200 has a low gain 56 dB and and a high gain 68 dB mc phono out
Can you bay pass the step up for only mm tube section gain ?.

They also sell a model 1000 phono amp which has 33 dB of gain , i suppose that consists of a tube amplification (MI/MM ) section only , but the site is not clear about that .

greetz h j
Andromedaaudio,
you`re right. with the normal model you only have the chance to bypass by change the circuit around the SUTs which should be possible, at least for one channel.
If you wanna use a SUT go for the Kondo or the Lamm - both are brilliant in connection with SUTs.
And a 1100 series , which is the mono version but thats not what im in for at the moment
I took home an ASR Mini Basis Exclusive to compare to my PS Audio GCPH. I wasn't planning on making a change at all, but it sounded night & day so much better that I bought one.

Compared to the ASR, the PS audio sounded thin and compressed. If you're looking for a stage in the $2-4k range I'd suggest checking it out. Very open sound and rich without being too euphonic.

I also compared to the phono in my Supratek Syrah - and though this was a closer comparison, the ASR was still more open, rich and dynamic. This stage really brought my vinyl playback up a few notches in enjoyment for me.