I have a Vac Avatar Super and it is very good and the phono is a pretty decent MM. As suggested above, you can do better with an outboard phono that is in line with your cartridge choices. At your budget, I think that the new Boulder integrated is within reach (but haven't heard it) and it doesn't have a phono.
Integrated with Phono Stage under $10K
I'm looking to move up in the world and get a great integrated. I want to simplify in the process so I prefer it have a phono stage too. It will be mated with ProAc speakers (Response 1SC currently, Response D28 in the near future).
I enjoyed the Manley Stingray I had, but it lacked detail and staging and was a bit noisy. The Red Wine Audio I use right now is awesome where the stingray isn't, but is not as musical. I want both.
Contenders thus far are:
Copland CTA 405
Gryphon Atilla
VAC Integrated (Current Alpha or older Avatar)
Comments from owners would be aprreciated. What else should I be looking at?
I enjoyed the Manley Stingray I had, but it lacked detail and staging and was a bit noisy. The Red Wine Audio I use right now is awesome where the stingray isn't, but is not as musical. I want both.
Contenders thus far are:
Copland CTA 405
Gryphon Atilla
VAC Integrated (Current Alpha or older Avatar)
Comments from owners would be aprreciated. What else should I be looking at?