Jctubes:
Can one get a used Vinyl 1 for under $1000?? New, they run over $2500, I think.
Snooker:
There was a phono stage shooutout in the Sept/Oct "Listener." It was still on the shelf at Borders a couple of weeks ago. They looked at the Vinyl 1, Linn Linto, Creek, and something else.
There is thread after thread on this. I know it's time consuming to search for them all and read them. One reason for so many threads is because there are so many opinions. The "perfect" or "best" phono stage is as mythical a creature as the Holy Grail.
Best thing to do is find a good audio dealer. 99% of them will let you take home a demo for listening. My dealer allows a week (or more). The great thing about demos is they have some hours on them already and are likely to be burned in.
Some good suggestions by other posters here. Others in your price range (and best value is to buy used):
EAR 834P (if you like tubes)
Blue Circle BC-23
Plinius Jarrah
Naim Stageline (they make two, one for MM and one for MC)
