Looking for a Phono pre around 1K


Hey all,
My system,
VPI hw-19 mkIII, premier mmt arm, Ortofon bronze 2m, Yaqin 100b KT-88 push pull, Focal 1008be2
I've had :
Cambridge audio 640p that I modded (power supply, opamp sockets, ) 
Sound: ok , not much soundstage or detail
Yaqin ms23b tube. 
Sound; more soundstage, better delineation of vocals and room ambience, still sounds a bit muffled/recessed.

I know those are on the inexpensive side, but after upgrading my speakers to the Focals. I'm hearing hints of things in the recordings that, I'm positive, with a better phono pre could be more fleshed out.

I listen to mainly rock/pop (Bowie, Stones, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Carly Simon, jazz)

If I could stay under 1K that would be great.

I'd like more definition, without losing the sweetness of tubes, I know I don't have any tube stages on there but…
I'd like the ability to use a MC cart as well 9I have a Denon 160)
My list so far:
Musical Fidelity - MX-VYNL Mm/Mc
Sutherland - Insight Phono Preamplifier
Musical Surroundings - Nova II
PS Audio Phono Converter (would be great to rip the records)

Any Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

thanks
mdelrossi1

Showing 1 response by williewonka

I have the Simmaudio Moon LP 5.3 RS

Sounds excellent, takes most cartridges, dead quiet (even at full volume) -  connect with good cables and it really excels.

You can get a seperate power supply, but a great power cable will work just as well.

You’ll have to look at "previously enjoyed" gear. The problem is - they don’t come available too often

They do have a newer model, but it’s a little above your budget.

They do have the 110 LP - another good buy that is more in line with your budget and from what I have read it is a great performer - it’s just not as flexible

I also had a heavily mod’d Cambridge Audio, but the moon left it in its wake - it's in s different league.

Hope that helps