My vote would go to an Octave Phonomodule! The big advantage beside it's sonic performance is that it can be configured as needed by the user! This implies approx. 10 different input modules, either RCA or XLR, either with step-up-transformer or not, either MM or MC. There are also different output modules available, either RCA or XLR, either with tubes (direct drive) or solid state.
It can be further enhanced with separate "black box pre" ...."Black Box" is a kind of external capacitor which Octave is famous for especially for their power amps!
The design is more or less tubes (4) which allows to adjust for personal taste. There have been many rave reviews in the past, also in the US.
As it is a product from Germany it may be more difficult to get an audition in the US but it's worth to give it a listen IMO (I own one since almost 9 years and am very satisfied with the sonics and it's flexibility which can be changed if demanded)
Price starts at approx. 4400€ for the main unit and you can add your modules as needed!
My personal preference is the mc input module with step-up-transformer built in and switchable, it's also available with XLR termination! (the preferred Phono version by the CEO of Octave, Andreas Hofmann..btw!)
This is quite a good review although its an rather early one. https://www.tonepublications.com/review/review-octave-phono-module-preamplifier/
Hope this gives you an additional option for upgrading your phono system.
Best regards from Austria
P.S. My system: Nouvelle Platine Verdier with Graham Phantom II, Ortofon Jubilee, Octave Phonomodule, ARC Ref.5SE, ARC Ref.75, ARC Ref. CD9 SE, Loricraft PRC 2 Vinyl cleaner, Focal Utopia Diablo Speakers, HMS Gran Finale Jubilee interconnects and power, Shunyata Andromeda speaker cables, 2x PS Audio P5, Synergistic Research Quantum Orange Fuses, Audiophile Base Starbase stands (UK)
It can be further enhanced with separate "black box pre" ...."Black Box" is a kind of external capacitor which Octave is famous for especially for their power amps!
The design is more or less tubes (4) which allows to adjust for personal taste. There have been many rave reviews in the past, also in the US.
As it is a product from Germany it may be more difficult to get an audition in the US but it's worth to give it a listen IMO (I own one since almost 9 years and am very satisfied with the sonics and it's flexibility which can be changed if demanded)
Price starts at approx. 4400€ for the main unit and you can add your modules as needed!
My personal preference is the mc input module with step-up-transformer built in and switchable, it's also available with XLR termination! (the preferred Phono version by the CEO of Octave, Andreas Hofmann..btw!)
This is quite a good review although its an rather early one. https://www.tonepublications.com/review/review-octave-phono-module-preamplifier/
Hope this gives you an additional option for upgrading your phono system.
Best regards from Austria
P.S. My system: Nouvelle Platine Verdier with Graham Phantom II, Ortofon Jubilee, Octave Phonomodule, ARC Ref.5SE, ARC Ref.75, ARC Ref. CD9 SE, Loricraft PRC 2 Vinyl cleaner, Focal Utopia Diablo Speakers, HMS Gran Finale Jubilee interconnects and power, Shunyata Andromeda speaker cables, 2x PS Audio P5, Synergistic Research Quantum Orange Fuses, Audiophile Base Starbase stands (UK)
