So recently had an opportunity to try this phono amp as my audio guy got it on a trade in from the original owner. I was swapping it in place of my musical surroundings phonomea ii. I was hesitant because I have a fair amount of tubes in my system already, and didn't want to make the sound too airy. I couldn't have been more wrong. it was magic from the minute I plugged it in. Soundstage seems bigger and just more enveloping.
All other musical terms aside, it just sounded fantastic. Needless to say I ended up buying it, and recently upgrade the original sovtek tubes in it with some NOS tungsrams and couldn't be more pleased. Amp opened up even more and just has a pop to it.
Given the additions of the new benz cart, vr-4jrs, cables and this preamp this year, I can honestly say my system has never sounded this good. Damn addictive and expensive hobby...