A new phono stage


Soliciting feedback on phono stages. I know, the best way is to audition each candidate in my system, but this is difficult where I live.

I'm presently using a highly modified Counterpoint SA-5.1 for the phono stage, into Lamm L2 preamp, Counterpoint SA-20 amp, and Alon Circe speakers. The source is a Micro Seiki RX1500 / SME 3012R / Shelter 901. I want to replace the SA-5.1 with a dedicated phono stage and use the 5.1 in my second system.

My criteria:
- tube or ss is ok
- highly reliable (prefer less tubes to more)
- very low noise
- remote control NOT necessary
- multiple inputs NOT necessary
- signal purity preferred to convenience (while I recognize the convenience of front panel adjustable loading, I am willing to remove the cover and insert a resistor myself for the sake of signal purity).
- > 60dB gain, prefer w/o mc step-up transformer (*this is difficult!)

My list of candidates:
Lamm LP2, Pass Xono, TE Groove or Micro Groove, EAR 834P (with Thoerston parts and circuit modification). I realize that all of these do not meet all of my criteria.

can anyone with direct exposure to these units share their experience? Even better if you have compared units in a controlled setting.
skushino
Well, the EAR 834P sale fell through (buyer withdrew the offer to sell). So I am back where I started.
How about a Tron preamp with phono on money back terms if you don't like it. I picked up my Tron preamp from Graham Tricker at GT Audio in the UK today. I asked him if he would let US buyers buy one and return it they weren't satisfied. He will, providing the unit is returned in as new condition with the packaging. The preamp comes as a dual mono unit. The only shared components are the mains transformer and choke. The line stage has one valve and the phono stage has one valve 12AX7. All the components are top spec eg input selector USD 90 component price alone! They sound fantastic and they're silent. However, I don't know if your budget will stretch - they're GBP 6000-7000, say USD 12-13k. As you were considering the LAMM, I presume your budget is ok.
Skuskino,
Of the phono stages you list, I have only heard the Lamm and EAR - in two very differenct systems, neither were my own. The phono stage you didn't list and which meets all of your criteria is the Herron. It has, in the MC configuration, 66 db of gain and is hassle free. I'm running it with a ZYX Airy with 0.24mv output and it is dead quite. I have spent hours listening to my friends system with all Lamm electronics. They are certainly good - as they should be for what they cost. However, I don't feel the need to upgrade when I come home and listen to my Herrons.

Regards,

Scott
check this out: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1111215181

not affiliated with seller, and if i didn't love my dynavector p-75 and had the scratch, i'd be on this fast. supposed to be a terrific stage.
The H-Cat P300 phono has proven clearly superior to two of the three phonos you mention. It costs $2995. I am tempted by no others.