Looking for a Phono Pre less than $1500

Over the last few months I have listenen to quite a few phonostages in the $500 to $5k range:

Wright WPP200C
Vacuumstate JLTI
Sutherland Ph.D.
Aesthetix Rhea
Dynavector P75II
Trichord Dino
EAR 834
Artemis Labs

In terms of sheer realism, detail, imaging, speed the Vaccumstate JLTI was by far the best. The layering of the soundstage, separation between instruments (spatially as well as tonally) is in completely different league of any of the above. The soundstage is wider and deeper and images are much more stable into the far corners. It has the best bass extension and high end resolution without strident highs. Good flow and rhythm as well.It is the first phono stage I heard in my system that can actually reproduce drums realistically.

The main caveat is the looks and built quality - it just feels like a $500 stage, but if you look at the specs and listen to it I would put it so far in a class of its own.

Curious: Are you planning to replace your Shindo? That seems to be a difficult feat. I was hoping to possibly move up to the Shindo next, although now that I got the JLTI and have been able to compare it to some nice stages, I am not so sure the Shindo will be an improvement on all levels.

Heed for $1k and a used Hagerman Trumpet should should be on your list.

get a step up transformer for your Shindo and your Denon 103R

Aqvox phono MkII, but your arm has to be wired balanced.

2nd the Aqvox.You can use their RCA/XLR adaptor until you rewire.Great phono section.

I am using the Simaudio LP 5.3, and am very happy with it. Plenty of gain and loading options to match any cartridge, and the sound is very big and open with excellent width and depth of soundstage. The details are there and more importantly the musical impact is there. Haven't heard many options though, so don't know how it compares to the other options in your list.

Audio Research PH3-SE

I have gone from the Dynavector P75, to BAT P-10se, to Ayre P-5XE. All were nice but at the present time I am using the Sim Audio LP5.3 and like it in my system more than any of the others. Lots of options, great big, open sound. Balanced and SE outputs and in the near future an outbaord upgraded PSU will be optional for it. They are 1500.00 new and used go around $1K give or take a few bucks.

Here is the location of a review of the Audio Horizons phono preamp:

http://www.10audio.com/audio_horizons_tp8_tp2-1.htm

It meets your operation and price requirements. From experience, I can say that Audio Horizons equipment is an excellent value.