Stand out phono stages

Pedrillo,

I believe the very best phono stages are indeed very expensive but then again, they do possess state of the art components and design technology. FM Acoustic does a very good phonostage called the FM 222. However, the best I have ever heard (and which I own now) is the bespoke Essential 3160. It is not cheap, but you get a MC, MM and a line stage in the same unit. Apart from the flexibility that this allows, it is simply miles ahead of alternatives in design logic and execution.

A lot will depend on your own audial priorities, however, if you want live events brought into your listening space: the Essential 3160 is simply the best. It will change your expectations of hifi. Very, very, highly recommended.

Hi Dougdeacon and Atmasphere,

I wholly agree that the ideal path is to seek component neutrality and not to pander to any distortions or colourations that may exist in any single part(s) of the chain.

This can take time but seems to me to really justify itself in replaying what is recorded.

As always

My modified Essential 3160 is simply phenomenal in its new manifestation. It is the best I have heard although no longer available (at least to these specifications!). It now carries my unreserved recommendation among the S.O.T.A contenders.

I'll still try to keep abreast of other developments and hopefully be encouraged to try something else out at some date: probably in the far off, distant future.