I have recent experience where I went down the path of buying my son a budget (but recommended on several lists) phono preamp ($125.00) , received it, tried it, sent it back, ordered the Vision Q+ (more than i had hoped to pay), and ended up buying 2 of the Vision Q+! The difference with the AVA was jaw dropping on every combination of amp, turntable, moving magnet cartridge and speakers I connected to it so I know that it wasn't just how the budget pre-amp interacted with my system. Was it worth it? I have probably $5k or more invested in a lifetime of LP's/ vinyls and adding to my collection still, so spending a bit more was worth far, far more than the sum of the parts...it was a revelation. I would put the music enjoyment factor of my small room analog system up against against anything I have ever heard costing less than a house..hahahaha..challenge is on if you live near Seattle, come on over!
![Smile :)](https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/icon_smile.gif)
. Ps I have not heard the Mani although it was on my short list.. pss I also have the SET 120 Control Amp and the combination with the Vision Q+ is joyous.