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
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.
Tbg, I just finished reading the long discussion thread re: H-Cat. Very interesting... The product has strong proponents, but the managment and support seem tenuous. I look forward to reading feedback from some of the new owners, like Baranyi!

Thanks for the original thinking...