Vincent PHO-8 phono pre amp.......first impressions.

I took delivery of my new Vincent PHO-8 phono pre amp two days ago now, and while I could 'cut to the chase' and say I just came out of the lounge laughing maniacally with joy at how good 'Crush' off Grace Jones 'Inside Story' LP sounded, well, that would be getting way ahead of myself! Let me settle a bit. First thing I noticed was a higher output, ie: to achieve the same volume as before I didn't need the amp volume up near as high (eg: 15dB instead of 8dB on the reverse scale, I like it loud!) which was nice........ . . . . . . .Oh what the hell, this little gem is a cracker! To say it has taken my analogue system to another level is an understatement. I have tested this beauty with all three of my cartridges (see below), and the improvement is obvious and amazing. Tonight it is my best cart, the Grace F8C's turn and I am beyond happy with what I am hearing. I was previously running a QED Discsaver phono, which I thought lived up to what one review described as "intriguingly musical". It's fine performance did belie it's somewhat low quality appearance. The Vincent on the other hand looks the goods and performs superbly. Refinement of overall sound, more open, airy, increased instrument separation, acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments are astounding, fuller bodied bass, cleaner more defined mid's and high's, IMHO this is an astounding phono stage and a bargain at the price ($359 w/free shipping at AudioTrends atm...I am not affiliated!) NB: It does need some burn in time, for awhile I was thinking 'what the', but once it sweetens up, you will know it! Astounding! I highly recommended for those looking at this price point and above!      Apologies for that ridiculously large top pic.