Skuskino,
Of the phono stages you list, I have only heard the Lamm and EAR - in two very differenct systems, neither were my own. The phono stage you didn't list and which meets all of your criteria is the Herron. It has, in the MC configuration, 66 db of gain and is hassle free. I'm running it with a ZYX Airy with 0.24mv output and it is dead quite. I have spent hours listening to my friends system with all Lamm electronics. They are certainly good - as they should be for what they cost. However, I don't feel the need to upgrade when I come home and listen to my Herrons.
Regards,
Scott
Of the phono stages you list, I have only heard the Lamm and EAR - in two very differenct systems, neither were my own. The phono stage you didn't list and which meets all of your criteria is the Herron. It has, in the MC configuration, 66 db of gain and is hassle free. I'm running it with a ZYX Airy with 0.24mv output and it is dead quite. I have spent hours listening to my friends system with all Lamm electronics. They are certainly good - as they should be for what they cost. However, I don't feel the need to upgrade when I come home and listen to my Herrons.
Regards,
Scott