MC phono stage without transformer?

Here we go. Raul, I disagree with you on amplifier output impedance, because an output Z of 0.1 ohm is usually achieved by using gobs of negative feedback, which introduces distortions across the entire musical spectrum that are far more objectionable than the imagined result of speaker frequency response anomalies due to higher output Z. Moreover, the goal you set eliminates most tube amplifiers. I think the amplifier/speaker interface is VERY crucial to accurate audio reproduction, but I don't think one should approach the problem by setting any arbitrary "rules" regarding impedance. If I could do it, my "rule" would be that all speakers must have a flat impedance curve at about 16 ohms across the audio spectrum, but it ain't gonna happen. In summary, your rule for amplifier output impedance raises a bunch of additional questions for debate.

I would posit that the Atma-sphere MP1, Raul's preamp, the Vacuum State RTP3D, and the Dolshi are all relative bargains in this era of $15,000 linestages. Don't know about the Dolshi, but the first 3 offer balanced, dual-differential circuitry (which when properly implemented inherently reduces noise) and plenty of phono gain, plus a state of the art linestage, for around $10,000. I know that's a prohibitive cost for some, but in the overall scheme of things, it's very fair. I am crazy for my MP1, but I'd love to hear the other contenders too.

Yeah. Equalization should ideally be within 0.1db for RIAA, but also for "Columbia", for "LP", and for all the other equalization curves used by different companies at different times in history. That's the problem. I've got British EMI pressings of Ella and Louis that sound weird with RIAA equalization but are probably great when correctly equalized. Only a few VERY expensive products offer alternative equalization curves.

Atma, Lots, if not most, of my fave jazz recordings are in mono, 33 rpm, and were made prior to the advent of stereo.

Dear Plinko, Build it yourself, if you feel that strongly about expensive SUT-less phono stages. It can be done for far far less than $3K. There are schematics galore on-line. For example, check out the Vacuum State website. AW shows the schematics of many of his best designs there. But meantime, it's a bit unfair and very inaccurate to infer that those of us who use expensive phono stages cannot also be "music lovers".

Dear Plinko, To be truthful, I probably could not afford a new MP1, so some years ago I bought mine used at a rather low price, because it had been badly abused by a series of owners, but it had been originally built with many expensive extras, like an all-Vishay S102 attenuator. I then spent about a year completely rebuilding it back to the latest MP1 spec, with Atma-sphere assistance and with a few twists of my own thrown in in recent years. (Ralph is a really great guy.) I learned a great deal in the process. Nevertheless, I refer back to my first post on this thread: I think a new MP1 or Raul's preamp or the Vacuum State and a few other full function preamps at around the $10k price point are relative bargains, because you do get such high performance and versatility for the buck, at a time when there are some outlandishly priced separate line and phono stages on the market that go way over $10K.