Best Preamp with Phono $2300 Max?

Hmmm. Not sure how to respond to that! When we moved she was actually the one to encourage me to spend more money on the new system than I had on the old and when I complain about the sound, she's the one that says "Feel free to buy something to make it better." She sits next to me on the couch every night, listening, enjoying. She happily finds a chair and sits and reads a book if I want to stop at a record store. She's actually quite perfect. I'll forgive her for hoping for some continuity in the visual presentation of the equipment that is a huge part of our living room. I feel sad for you that you can't conceive of changing a piece of equipment to make someone you love happy.

Don't know what level of adjustment you need in the phono stage but what about a Rowland Capri with Phono. It can handle MM and MC, sounds wonderful, and at least my WAF for it is good.

doge 8 from pacific valve. its under 2000 dollars see stereo mojo review

How about AVA Vision Pre/Dac combo with remote and phono, $2100. See Audio Circle for more info on their circle.