Phono stages interact with cartridges in a big way. You really have to audition a phono stage in your system, with your cartridge to make any sense of what you are actually getting sonically. There is really no substitute for this practice.
All these heartfelt recommendations are honest but don’t necessarily apply to your specific situation.
I have found the C 1100 to have a fine hybrid SS/Tube MC phono section. I have not yet compared it to other stand alone sections as the hassle of doing so in my system is significant. I don’t live in a major metro and can’t easily audition gear in my system.
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Main System:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80
Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic
Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
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