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Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Strong buy at US$365. With a recent used median of US$400 and a 25th percentile of US$365, this lands right at the low end of normal pricing and reads as a fair-to-good deal rather than an ambitious ask.

This phono stage has a strong reputation for quiet operation, solid gain/loading flexibility, and an easy, refined presentation that suits a lot of moving-magnet and moving-coil setups. At this price, it’s the kind of piece that can be a real system upgrade without feeling like a stretch, especially if it’s complete and functioning cleanly.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Musical Surroundings

Musical Surroundings traces its roots to 1990, when Garth Leerer filed the DBA in Oakland, California, building on his involvement in high-performance audio since the late 1970s. As a key figure in the analog revival, Leerer managed SOTA turntables and launched the company with a mission to ensure LP playback endured beyond the compact disc era. Over three decades, it has evolved from distribution into manufacturing, celebrating 33 years in 2023 as a cornerstone of vinyl-centric hi-fi.

The brand specializes in high-end analog components, distributing renowned lines like Clearaudio turntables, Graham and Clearaudio tonearms, Benz phono cartridges, and others, while offering turntable accessories and record-cleaning solutions. In-house, it produces exceptional phono preamplifiers in collaboration with designer Michael Yee, alongside a high-performance DAC, tube electronics, and select digital accessories, emphasizing flexibility and musicality in vinyl playback.

Positioned as a preeminent niche boutique in the high-end market, Musical Surroundings commands respect among audiophiles for its deep analog expertise and curated selections that prioritize sonic purity over mass appeal. It bridges vintage heritage with modern refinements, appealing to discerning buyers seeking uncompromising LP reproduction in a digital-dominated landscape.

See all Musical Surroundings listings on RADAR.

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