I will receive this week the upgraded version of Thor Audio's TA-2000 linestage which includes a phonostage and remote volume control. I, too, considered the elite phonostage route but I needed a volume pot since I did not own a linestage. I am using an Art Audio Vinyl 1 w/volume right now. Thor products are incredibly built and include a lifetime warranty.
The elite phono stages VS. Full function Pre-amps
I currently use an Aesthetix Io mark2 w/ a First Sound Presence Del Mk. 2 and am enjoying very good results with this combo. While simply having the bug to upgrade, we all look to address what may be the week link in our systems to upgrade. I do believe the perfomance of the Aesthetix would be hard to beat after preferring its sound to other stand alone phono stages I have compared it to. I am considering comparing my current linestage-phono setup to a few of the premier Full- function pre-amps such as the Vac PHI 2.0, or the Messenger, with the benefit of one less cable (phono to linestage interconnect) in my system. However , I also think the Io is so good, that it would be foolish not to take the Io Signature upgrade path , or/and upgrading the First Sound.I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on this subject.