What is the Phono stage you have finished with?

Dear James: Which budget do you have? and do you keep your current line stage or think to change it too?.

I ask about because the quality performance on your analog rig will be the quality performance on the " poorer/poorly " link on that analog chain and IMHO that line stage ( where the cartridge signal must pass ) that you own is that " poor/weak " link, so IMHO it will be a better choice/alternative to see the phono stage change ( for a quality improvement ) like a whole: pho/line stages, as a fact and IMHO these two stages most be in reality one integrated ( synergy ) unit.

IMHO it does not make sense to buy a " Ferrari " with bicycle tyres.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Downunder no tube rush issues here, although I may listen at lower levels than you do. Actually, I didn't mention the Rhea's sonics earlier and want to emphasize that it's the best-sounding phonostage I've heard. But I didn't expect it to be ultra-quiet, with its 10 tubes. It is marginally more quiet that my former tubed phonostage, however.

Art Audio, Vinyl One made a wonderful difference in my system.
Got rid of a new PS Audio unit I had for about 4 weeks and got the AA instead. I've had it now for 2+ years and continue to be very happy. I got mine with the optional volume control.

Depends somewhat on the other equipment you have.

I have the Io sig with volume controls. I run a Koestu at supposedly .2mV There is no tube rush here. Of course, I had selected tubes put in the front end and was careful in doing so. Additionally, the unit is one of later production so this may have some bearing.

I just recently received a Klyne 7PX3.5 phono for a trial against the Io. So far I am having gain issues with my set up and the Klyne running through the Io's aux input so I'll have to try another combination to match volume levels more closely.

I think the Klyne and the Io represent top spot(s) in the valve vs. ss camps.

Goodluck.

Being in Europe easy to get Goldmund Mimesis PH 3 or FM acoustics. Have heard both and the FM Acoustics is by far the best phono preamp I have heard. The Goldmund is right behind it and not that far of the pace of the FM Acoustics. Price wise not for the faint of heart.