I gave it 2 month, tried 4 different ones, at half your price range. I didn't try the Manley Chinook or Hegel V10 but those would be my end game phono stages. There are lots of options, pros and cons, I wouldn't overthink it, my 2 cents is that they are like good cables, transport the signal and not create it. I read great things about Sutherland, but as a general rule, I wouldn't spend more than a third of the other components' prices on the phono stage.
In search of quality mc Phono stage
Hello all
My system
Audio Note Voyd TT with Audio Nite An arm 3
Koetsu Black MC cart
vintage Tube Mac pre and amp
various speakers. AN E to AR LST to Tannoy MG’s
budget is 1500 USD on the used market.
Music taste is rock or blues or Jazz
I know nothing about phono stage. What makes them good what makes them bad. Should I go with tube or should I go with solid-state. All suggestions are welcome. I think 50 to 60% of new retail price is adequate on the used market.
Thanks for any help
PK