Best Preamp with Phono $2300 Max?

The P75 is great. I had one. If you are going to go tubes, I feel that you need to get something really good; especially if you have a low output phono cartridge. In your price range, you should be able to get the Ayre. You just can't go wrong with it. I'm sure that you will get some other good recommendations, as well, but the Ayre would be my first choice.

I think I would consider keeping the P75 and getting a line stage. It is small enough that it could be tucked away out of sight, and it isn't something you would need to fiddle with. And you get greater isolation of your phonostage from the power supply etc of the preamp

As for a linestage, maybe look into a Rogue 99? There is a Super Magnum version for sale at Audio Circle that is upgraded to Super Magnum status. You can read a recent review of it at Stereo Times.

Hi Dhcod,

I have an Audio Research SP-8 and I love it! It has a very good phono section which will be good with most moving magnet cartridge but it won't have enough gain for moving coil.

This unit will sell in the 1200$ to 1800$ range depending of it's condition and upgrade.

I found mine to sound extremely rich, airy and natural.

Good hunting,

Sébastien

Bryston B25P is a very good preamp with MM phono stage. I owned one for several years and it got me back into vinyl.

Thanks for the suggestions. Not possible to keep the P75.... it doesn't tuck away that well because of my setup arrangement.