What is the best phono preamp you have heard?

There is absolutely no way to give a definitive answer to this thread question,and everyone probably knows this!Too many variables.To many differing tastes;and really too many fine products.Basically anyone happy with their unit will,most likely,nominate it.That being said,what one can do is indicate a unit that sounded good in a given system.One that may have been so impressive(the system) that weight is given to the phonostage,even though other factors were probably at play.Sort of like going to a nice restaurant,with a fun,lively crowd.You had so much fun,that you give a bit more credit to the food.Next time you go there,by yourself,you are a bit disappointed.Just "food" for thought,though I do love the Aesthetix,and the CJ!!The Lamm ain't bad either.Oh,yeah--the Steelhead is a killer too,especially with a bit of tube rolling.I own none of these,but why should I bother to allow myself to allow "ego" to enter the picture(regarding my own unit),though I do love it.It would dull down credibility,IMO!Intimately familiar with the others mentioned.The best I've heard?Who knows?Maybe the "Zinfandel" could have had too much influence!Best regards!!

A nice topic to migrate into,on a similar note,would be:What are the best "small signal phono tubes" that you tubies have tried?This I'm well versed in;and they do make a BIG difference!!Anyone having a "big hitter" phonostage(Aesthetix,Manley etc.)that denies this,or hasen't tried it,is in for a nice surprise if they allow themselves to go that route!Best of luck!

www.wnaudio.com

Beat the groove I had previously.

LAMM LP2 is an amazing unit, not adjustable, but works with everything at a very high level, yes, I think, that's one of the best out there, very silent and for the adjustable transistor units, the Klyne 7 PX closes the gap between tube and transistor.

Best phono preamp and moving coil section I have had is the
moving coil card or input which Levinson put in his preamps.
Lots of adjustments and tons of gain without hum. Plus it
sounded super. I think the sensitivity of the input is
critical to the sound you get: too little and the sound is
dark and not dynamic or even might be peaky; too much and
the overload is prominent on peaks. Close to the Levinson
have been transformers which match the cartridge used; a
hum problem at times, but usually can be worked out with
grounding and careful placement of the transformer.
CEM

I'm a statified Herron owner who gets to hear the seemly top two contenders (the I/O Sig & Lamm) on a regular basis. I never come home after hearing either the Lamm or I/O with preamp envy. I like the no fuss aspect of the Herron's. The Herron's are at their best with current production tubes and are easy on them. IMO, the Herron's are under appreciated in audio land.