I've used LOMC phono stages both with and without transformers. My transformer experience is limited unfortunately to only the Tron Seven I currently use. That being said, having compared it to another decent transformerless LOMC stage, (Pass Labs Xono), and IMO your transformer fears are unfounded.
The Seven sounded more realistic to me and was just as quiet as the Xono. I'm sure people will jump in and say they suck and mess up the music relative to a quality transformerless phono-stage but in my system based on what I've used, they do not.
Regardless of what people say, (me included), I'd just try to listen to whatever you can and not limit yourself based on a specific technology and buy what sounds good to you. Good luck.
The Seven sounded more realistic to me and was just as quiet as the Xono. I'm sure people will jump in and say they suck and mess up the music relative to a quality transformerless phono-stage but in my system based on what I've used, they do not.
Regardless of what people say, (me included), I'd just try to listen to whatever you can and not limit yourself based on a specific technology and buy what sounds good to you. Good luck.