Best Phono Stage

Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) makes fabulous phono stage components.  The latest model, VK-P90 ($13,000) is on my radar for later this year.  That will complete my main electronics by matching with my other BAT components; preamp and power amp (and replacing my Manley Labs, Chinook phono stage).  The just-recently-discontinued models that the VK-P90 replaced is the VK-P12SE and the VK-P12.  Those can be found for a price range within reason of your budget.  Do a little research on BAT products regarding the build quality and the sound quality.  I believe you will find them to be a worthy consideration for what you are looking to achieve.  BAT is a very high-end manufacturer, right here in the USA.

Posted just wo days ago, by wolfie62 (see below), in another thread.  It seems that his reference system is an integrated amp from 1980.  Nothing wrong with that, I'm all for people enjoying to their fullest possible extent.  I just don't like to see people say they have a $200K system, telling others they are wasting their money if not spending great sums on their system, and in reality, have nothing greater of their own than a vintage integrated amp.  And the kicker, that this 1980 integrated amp is "world class", including its phono pre.  I usually don't post a response like this, but when a "loud-mouth" speaks up it's only fair to everyone else by exposing who they really are.

I’ll keep using my 1980 SAE Two A14 Integrated. Designed in CA, manufactured by Luxman. Dual mono construction. A real sleeper! Parametric tone controls, world class amp and MM/MC phono pre. 

My past boss used to say, "Put or shut up".  I always put up.

Come on wolfie62, time to put up.  And if all that you say is true, then good for you to have such a top-flight system.  I would enjoy seeing it posted.  It's always nice to learn from others just what they came up with for matching and synergy.