Phono Preamps with "balls" ?

Take a look at Simmaudio Moon Neo 310LPPhono Preamplifier.

I have the LP5.3RS - basically the same as the 310, with a couple of minor tweaks and when treated to good cables it really performs exceptionally well.
I'm not sure the optional external power supply would provide too much in the way of improvements with the cables I use with it, but I have read thet it makes a significant difference over stock cables.

The smaller 110LPPhono Preamplifier also performs nicely, is more affordable and packs a punch 

Here’s a comparison chart of all their models
http://www.simaudio.com/DATA/PRODUIT/40_en_comp~v~phono-preamplifier.pdf

I had an older version of the  Cambridge Audio CP2 to start with.
After sevreal tweaks I decided I needed a better quality Phono stage
 
I tried an LFD, which sounded very good in the showroom, but it was not a good match to my existing cartridge .

I then tried the LP5.3 - it was like listening to a whole new system - lots of punch - more vibrant.
Adding a great power cable improved performance significantly.

Simmaudio are well known for their phono stages - outstanding clarity, veratile, great dynamics, geat image and extremely quiet - even when cranked to full volume - no record playing :-)

All the "balls" I require :-)

Hope that helps - Steve

I've yet to hear a CD that plays better bass than my phono section...

I like to run balanced, as all phono cartridges are balanced sources, and that can reduce or eliminate the 'sound' that the tone arm cable might otherwise impart.

I've yet to hear a CD that plays better bass than my phono section...

I like to run balanced, as all phono cartridges are balanced sources, and that can reduce or eliminate the 'sound' that the tone arm cable might otherwise impart.

I wish I could. Very few phono stages, even in the upper tier, offer balanced inputs. Manley does not believe that offering balanced inputs is worthwhile and have an explanation in the FAQ section of their website. 

04-04-2018 9:47pm... well not to hijack the thread, but now you've got me interested in the Violectrics @czarivey and @fsonicsmith. I checked out their website. The PPA 600 ticks off a lot of boxes for me. Anyone know how it compares to the PP1?  Google seems to know about that one only in German.

I made a mistake-the Violectric phono stage I have is the V600. It started out with my purchase of the Violectric V200 headphone amp from Robert at AphroditeCU29. Don't ask me where Robert got that business name but he is great to work with. We got to talking about Violectric and Robert suggested I audition the phono stage and DAC as well. I liked the phono stage well enough to keep it. He also sent me Violectric's DAC that was hot at the time (not good with model numbers) and I was not thrilled with it and sent it back. I have no connection obviously, but Robert's website is AphroditeCU29.com BTW, in Robert's defense, he told me that I would not hear the full capability of the DAC unless I auditioned it with the Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cord. That ran $800. I told Robert not to bother sending me that cord, because if I liked it, I would hate myself for buying it. Then I bought my AMR DP777 and after getting that, I bought a Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB and now I know that Robert was right. Sorry for the thread drift on the thread drift.