Best phono stage?

[Atmasphere]

The point is this only looks like nfb but isn't really. Normal shunt feedback requires two resistors: the shunt one, which here is the riaa network and one in series which in this case is the output impedance of the first stage. Because of the shunt, the first stage sees a frequency dependent load which matches exactly the riaa curve. It is unfair to compare this to classic voltage nfb which in most phono amps is around two or more amplification stages.

We build both zero feedback and feedback phono sections. There's nothing wrong with feedback if its properly applied. The big deal you don't want is the circuit generating ticks and pops due to high frequency overload. That is easily avoided either way.

 

[analogsa]

There's nothing wrong with feedback if its properly applied.

Never said anything was wrong. The two philosophies simply sound very different, no matter if it's phono/line or speaker level. A preference is justifiable for either type of sonic presentation; if i listened to rock/pop and rhythmical music i would also enjoy nfb circuits, but as it is i get more musical satisfaction from circuits unencumbered with loop nfb. Personal preference, nothing more.

 

[Atmasphere]

The two philosophies simply sound very different, no matter if it's phono/line or speaker level.

Actually if the feedback is properly applied you might be surprised at how similar they sound whether at the phono level or speaker level. We make both zero feedback tube amps and (designed and built in house) a class D amp which uses about 37dB of feedback and they sound remarkably similar. This is also true of our phono sections.

The key in my prior comment was 'properly applied'. If feedback is improperly applied it can cause a brighter less musical presentation.