Some further SS phono stages worth mentioning:
1. Scan-Tech Connoisseur Definitions 4.0
2. Spectral Special Edition Phono
3. Blue Amp dual mono phono preamplifier 42
4. 47 Labs PhonoCube
5. Progressive Audio Phono 1
6. Gryphon Orestes LE
These are all very expensive, very high-quality units with completely different design philosophies. I have heard 2 of them (3. 5.), and will get 4. from the EU distributor in the weeks to come. I would really appreciate any comments about any of these units as well as the ones mentioned already as SS phono units are my main focus right now.
For Fcrowder, here are my comments on the FM Acoustics. FM Acoustics Ltd. makes two phono units: the 122, and the 222. The more expensive model (222) is not quite as expensive as the Scan-Tech or the Spectral, but is still very expensive (the last price I have is DM 26,000). Unusual feature: the FM Acoustics units are the only ones I know that allow the user to adjust the RIAA equalization parameters without discrete increments. Their circuit design has little to do with the mainstream. The sound: one gets an unhindered look into the recording venue, the instruments are precisely focused and placed, and there is much detailed sonic material and ambience. The musical program is relayed with a fascinating lightness and delicacy. The sound is not anemic, thinned-out, or unexciting, but there are some who think the FM Acoustics phono units "paint in pastel colors," and that there is too much air throughout, with an "uncanny airiness in the bass." Despite that, the units have a powerful coarse and fine dynamic, a solid bass fundamental, and effortless elegance. I would rate the 222 in the "top ten" phono units I have heard, but did not purchase it for three reasons: I did not like the previously-mentioned "pastel" tonal coloration and airiness, I do not need adjustable RIAA EQ, and it does not suit all of my musical tastes. I nevertheless appreciated its synthesis of analytic transparency, "Spielfreude" (please, someone translate!), and freedom from stress.
1. Scan-Tech Connoisseur Definitions 4.0
2. Spectral Special Edition Phono
3. Blue Amp dual mono phono preamplifier 42
4. 47 Labs PhonoCube
5. Progressive Audio Phono 1
6. Gryphon Orestes LE
These are all very expensive, very high-quality units with completely different design philosophies. I have heard 2 of them (3. 5.), and will get 4. from the EU distributor in the weeks to come. I would really appreciate any comments about any of these units as well as the ones mentioned already as SS phono units are my main focus right now.
For Fcrowder, here are my comments on the FM Acoustics. FM Acoustics Ltd. makes two phono units: the 122, and the 222. The more expensive model (222) is not quite as expensive as the Scan-Tech or the Spectral, but is still very expensive (the last price I have is DM 26,000). Unusual feature: the FM Acoustics units are the only ones I know that allow the user to adjust the RIAA equalization parameters without discrete increments. Their circuit design has little to do with the mainstream. The sound: one gets an unhindered look into the recording venue, the instruments are precisely focused and placed, and there is much detailed sonic material and ambience. The musical program is relayed with a fascinating lightness and delicacy. The sound is not anemic, thinned-out, or unexciting, but there are some who think the FM Acoustics phono units "paint in pastel colors," and that there is too much air throughout, with an "uncanny airiness in the bass." Despite that, the units have a powerful coarse and fine dynamic, a solid bass fundamental, and effortless elegance. I would rate the 222 in the "top ten" phono units I have heard, but did not purchase it for three reasons: I did not like the previously-mentioned "pastel" tonal coloration and airiness, I do not need adjustable RIAA EQ, and it does not suit all of my musical tastes. I nevertheless appreciated its synthesis of analytic transparency, "Spielfreude" (please, someone translate!), and freedom from stress.