What is the best phono preamp you have heard?

The build in phonostage in my Paragon 12A preamp and my Audio Note AN-6c or Koetsu (each with different cartridges) step up transformer. I've heard a lot of phonostages (owned a ASR Basis Exclusive and Audio Research PH5, E.a.r.) and even sold my beloved Gryphon Orestes phonostage since they all could't match the Paragons ability to make you focus just on music while listening.

Paragon 12A, wow, how fondly I remember that piece.

I am posting here again since I put new tubes in the ear 834p. I have to say I am very happy with this unit and will be taking it to a higher level. I am considering having it rebuilt completely with the finest parts.

Aesthetix IO Signature. I can't believe that I have not posted here yet? Until now, the one and only best phono stage I have heard is the IO Signature. I have heard the Pass Xono, the ASR Basis both mini and exlusive, the Einstein and the integrated on my Octave preamp. The IO was to me in another league coimpared to these others. I have no reason to look further nor do I desire to persue anything else to compare the IO too, I am completely off the audio rage of the day,,,,,,now I need to see how quad amping will sound like, yes, that is my next quest, 4 tube mono amps.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

i am a total newbie, and may be WAY behind the rest here, but does anyone have nay experience with the early (mid-to-late 70s) PS Audio Phono Pre amps? seems like many who have posted here are either old enough, or have been thru enough gear to possibly have tried these?

i have a PS Audio III and a matching Linear Control Unit up and running... probably late 70s maybe like 1978-79?

just asking, and trying to learn a bit. was perusing past threads on MC cartridges, amps and S/U transformers trying to pick up some info and happened upon this thread.

just for your information, i have mono Quicksilver M-80s, the PS Audio pre amps with Vandersteen 3s, also a Rega Planar3 TT, McIntosh MR 71 and Jolida JD100 CDP... all vintage, except the TT and CDP.

thanks
tom