Looking for phono stage recommendations


I have recently ordered a Sota Cosmos, with a Tri-Planar VII arm and a ZYX Airy 3 cartridge. A friend of mine is interested in my Pass Labs Aleph Ono phono, so that leaves me with nothing (thanks a lot Paul)to use for my new frontend.

Several friends have made recommendations. The Pass Labs X-ono, the Manley Steelhead, ZYX phonostage, and a Supratek(?) have been recommended. The Zanden and Boulder are out of my price range, so don't bother...

Are there any other phonostages that I should consider. I don't have a preference of Solid State vs Tube.

I have used and/or heard the Krell KPA and KPE already and they're not really in the running. Not that there's anything wrong with them, they are very good, I'm just looking for something better.

I want something quiet that will work for low output cartidges.

HEEEEELP!
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Showing 1 response by dmailer

I am using the setup that Flyingred has suggested, the Hagerman Trumpet and Bent Audio stepups. This is a great sounding setup. Sirspeedy is right as using NOS tubes on the Trumpet elevated the performance to an even higher level. The Bent audio stepups allow you to easily adjust for loading of any value resistor which is real plus.