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.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions, some good info there to keep me going.

+1 marcus1299

@wolfie62 

You should post photos of your system under your ID. It is very helpful in understanding where your opinion is coming from.

The post for the aesthetix rhea is correct.  Great liquid sound.  Even though it has high gain I don’t recommend it for lomc as the gain is all tube.  I replaced the critical last three tubes with nos Hammond organ 12ax7 from a vendor.  If you use high gain, it requires great tubes to avoid tube rush.   Sold mine when I downsized.  Recently restarted with qhw the vinyl for 800 dollars.   Totally satisfied and you get 3 week free trial 

I run a Herron, I believe it's the ph2 or something like that but it is the best tube phono stage I've heard and I've tried many. The sound I have could be attributed to the vintage telefunkens but this Herron really does something special. 

Spending $2k-$3k is jus money down the drain. You’ll need to spend $15k, minimum, on a phono pre just to get into the minimum required performance from any cart/arm. Spending less is just a leap into the rabbit hole.

As a newbie I went through a few phonostages from $1200-$2000 and am glad I did for the experience. My phono upgrades have been my favorite upgrade. I landed on a Allnic H-3000 and am at my endgame phono unless I hit the lottery. Buy used and do lots of research. 

Aesthetix Rhea Signature Phono Stage is strong contender. Used would be in your price range. 

You're gonna get lots of good info here about high-quality products that suit each of our own personal preferences. For instance, I love my Rogers PA-2 which you could get used for about 5k. I'd strongly encourage you to find a couple local audio shops and go and listen to stuff and see what you like sd it might not be what I like or someone else on here likes. I guess what I'm saying is take what you find on here and find places to go listen. 

Modwright PH 9.0

Luxman eq500 .

Aurorasound : Vida !! Perfect , Made in Japan.

@lance23 I think you are going about this backwards to a degree. What is your total budget? Cart, table, tonearm, associated cables, etc? If you buy a 5k pre and a Rega P1 it’s kinda silly. That’s an extreme example. You really should investigate a table, arm and cart then go from there. There are so many pre options, SS, tubed, SUT. All have advantages and disadvantages. Some depend on your overall setup. I believe your order of operation should be table, arm, cart, pre, cabling.

@chayro  nailed it, IMO. Patience is your friend here. It's hard to do, but it pays big dividends. Right now I'm tuning my DIY tonearm, and desperately want to put a big expensive cartridge on it - just to see what it can do. But I'm holding back until I sort out all the quirks. So I understand your impatience.

But consider - until you live with something you don't really know what you like; that only comes after you realize that you've been listening for 5 hours and still want more. Not the piece of candy that dazzles you for 20 minutes in the showroom. Patience, I say, and only get serious on your next attempt.

Talk to Aric @aricaudio 

I have a Zesto Andros II and I love it. I sold my Mac 2600 after getting it and added the  Zesto Leto preamp. Sweet, solid sound. Not mega detailed but not too soft either.  Very flexible. I did some tube rolling to get even more to my liking. 
RF
 

ModWright PH 9.0X

Solid state:

Avid Pulsare II (used)

BMC MCCI Signature (if you plan to use low impedance MC carts)

Tube:

Modwright PH9.0 (new)

Audio Research (Ref2 phono used)

These absolutely top of the game for their price. Don't get into exotic stuff like Allnic and such. You will want to upgrade soon :-)

I have the Zesto 1.2

I recommend

I second Zesto.   I have their Leto preamp and it sounds incredible   Their service is probably the best I’ve ever experienced.   I had it upgraded to the new ESP power supply and it is even better.  That preamp transported my system to a different level.  It is good stuff

I would recommend the highest quality Used Audio Research phono stage either PH8 or REF you can find for your budget. If you like a bit warmer sound then a used Conrad Johnson. Zesto are a newer company but highly regarded.

I love my Gold Note PH-10 and PSU-10 very flexible and sounds amazing. There's a guy selling a new one on USAM for cheap $$

Zesto & Allnic seem to be 2 of the newer players which have garnered praise  in this market. The Tavish is a class B recommended component  so you can make what you will of that. The Sutherland Little Loco may also be something to look into.

@lance23 👍10 week waiting list....

https://tavishdesign.com/products/adagio-vacuum-tube-phono-stage-mm-mc

was once Herb Reicherts reference phono preamp. 

What is great about it is the fact that it has a built in SUT, utilizing a pair of Jensen transformers, and front panel adjustments for both capacitance and cartridge loading, no dip switches, and you can roll in any tube you want. Also, available in multiple finishes.

@audioguy85  Ill take a look thanks 

@chayro it would be 5k for phono stage. Id like to get it right and not go down the constant upgrade route. Thanks

Get this for 2200...

You want to spend 5k on everything or just on the phono stage?  Personally, if I had no experience with vinyl I would seek out a local dealer so they can assist you with selection and setup. Don’t worry about an endgame vinyl rig first time out. Just buy something that’s easy to deal with and sounds good and you’ll figure out later what your real priorities are.