Audio Research or Rogue

LS16 is good, but there's no phono section.
However, ARC PH5 is a highly regarded phono preamp, so you can add it to LS-16. ARC equipment is reliable. I have my ARC LS-15 preamp since 1999 and am very happy with it.

I heard mixed things about Rogue, but never listened to one myself, so I can't comment on that.

If you need a pre with built-in phono section, it's ARC LS-25.

Dan,

I heard mixed things about Rogue, but never listened to one myself, so I can't comment on that.

How's that a comment? I don't undertstand... Were you offended by what I said because you own that particular piece? If so, I appologize.

back on a subject now....another pre-amp to consider is Blue Circle.
Again, they don't come with built in phono section, but they do make a nice stand alone phono stage, which is pretty affordable, as is their basic pre-amp, BC-21.1
Although I never auditioned that particular pre(there is a review on it on 6moons.com), I did hear the BC3000 MkII and it is VERY good. All point-to-point wiring, superb built and great sound. Very spacious and holographic presentation. Superb resolution of micro and macro dynamics. Basically anything anyone would want from a pre-amp, IMO.

Lots of good press on Blue Circle. I'd recommend auditioning their pre-amps if you can.
They could be picked up used here on the 'gon for a reasonable price, unless you want new.

And personally, if I was going for a phono stage, I wouldn't look for a preamp with a built in one. I am a firm beleiver that stand alone phono stages are best.

Dsremer, Sorry, I thought the LS25 has phono stage. My bad.
But what's the PHONO input on it for? Is it just a labled line level input?