It was worth every penny. The sound stage deepened and everything came into better focus. The gain is frankly astonishing. I had been using the phone stage in my Adcom preamp which is actually pretty good so I thought and read. The truth is there was no comparison.
Recent Evolution of my system
Went from a techniques turntable to the Project. My first response to the change in sound was wow...
Then I added an acrylic platter. My first response to the change in sound was wow.
Then I added the Sumiko EVO III HOMC. My first response to the upgrade in sound was wow.
Finally I added the EROS..... My first and continuing impression to the upgrade is again another wow.
Each upgrade lifted veils and worth the effort. No the question that comes to mind was my Adcom phono stage not up to Par.... I think it is. It just that once you've introduced tubes, you may never go back. I am seriously looking at the tube pre-amp at this time.. Just starting my research.