2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Phonostages $2,000 – $3,000

The 20/20 shares designer Ron Sutherland’s “twin mono” (identical circuit) approach to electronics design, but unlike other recent Sutherland models, the 20/20 is not powered by rows of D-cell batteries. Instead, it uses an unusual (for high-end audio) pair of “regulated desktop power supplies.” The sound is classic Sutherland: very low-noise, beautiful throughout the midrange, with a big, transparent stage, excellent detail and focus, and a bit of politeness in the deep bass. Some won’t like the tradeoffs; musical purists will embrace them. WG, 215

The stand-alone 310LP phonostage offers the analog hound both versatility and excellent performance in an elegant package. WG, 225

The Channel D Lino C 2.0 is a current-mode (transimpedance) phonostage for low-output, low-impedance moving-coil cartridges. Very linear and coherent sounding, it doesn’t overtly editorialize the musical spectrum at the expense of realistic playback. With features that are not usually available in this range of products (internal high-current AGM battery, current-mode input, meticulous circuit layout, surface-mount components to produce low-noise, direct-coupling, and balanced operation available from input to output), it is well worth an audition by anyone looking for a phono preamp at its price point and above. AJ, 308