Audiophile Audition has reviewed the Musical Surroundings Phonomena II phono preamp ($600). This is a handsome design (photo) with a variety of gain and input loading settings. Reviewer John Sunier compared it to his Grado PH-1:
The sonics of the Grado had more spatiality but they also had a somewhat “honky†EQ to them, definitely not as flat or transparent as the Phenomena II.
Ultimately, John preferred the Phenomena II, concluding:
In my particular case I found the Phenomena II to be a perfect solution to my phono preamp requirements without having to get into the luxury super-high-end phono preamp area.
Read the entire review, then check out Brian Bloom’s new article, Vinyl Accessories and Useful Tools for LP Playback – Part I. Go vinyl!