On the fence about Vinyl need a good phono stage for A/B testing

I never purchased any pre anything before. Wondering about the value for $ and if I can even perceive the difference audibly speaking. For example Luxman EQ-500 vs Parasound JC3+ vs Project Tube Box DS2 . Will I perceive a difference with my setup?.

Hi amg56, did you ever got a chance to compare the Luxman EQ-500 in the same signal chain with other phono stages?.

Thanks rsf507, great reviews for the price.

gregb63, dealer calibrated the arm for me and setup the cartridge. What phono stage do you use?.

Seems like lot of people also like Shindo Masseto or even Shindo Monbrison. How do these compare to Luxman EQ-500 / Manley Steelhead / BAT - VK-P12SE all are similarly priced.

audiofun, Thanks and how does Luxman EQ-500 compare to others you have and why should one change the fuses?. Pardon me if it is a silly question. 

I just had Ortofon 2M Bronze installed on Rega P6. I am hoping to get some milage on this before even considering upgrading this to something else. Is this a good start?. I am happy to invest in a good long term phono stage but prefer to start with something cheaper and tube(everyone thinks tube is better!)

I am thinking Manley chinook / Herron VTPH-2A but slowly and steadily convincing myself to get a used tube amp like Shindo Monbrison /  Luxman EQ-500 / Manley Steelhead / BAT - VK-P12SE for around 5-7k. 

I really wish I could A/B them in the comfort of my home!. But reality is different.

My amp is Line Magnetic Integrated LM-805IA speakers are Legacy Aeris (on the way), will be using Wavelet room correction. Vast amount of my music is Flac. Just getting started with records!.

Seems like Luxman CL-38u is a good deal and priced lower, what will I be missing when compared to EQ-500?. Do I really need all the bells and whistles?. Or there are fundamental difference in design in the phono input and output stages between these two?. I am a bit skeptical if I can notice audible difference between these two.

jperry, lol thanks, What is this "adjustability in loading". Where do I learn more about this, how can I google it. Does  "Herron VTPH-2A" have this?. I don't see no knobs anywhere. This analogue stuff seem like more work!!, but fun!!.

jperry, thanks yes I live in the SF bay area. I have dealer but I am just thinking ebay for used EQ-500.

I will be running EQ-500 / CL-38Uc / Herron to Legacy Wavelet and from Wavelet to pre-in of Line Magnetic. 

Right now my signal chain is Rega P6 with 2M bronze -> phono stage of Marantz SR7005 ->  Line Magnetic.

Ortofon 2M Bronze says "Recommended load capacitance - 150-300 pF" which means I have to select 150/300pF on Luxman?. I only see one set of inputs for MM on the back of Herron.

audiofun, SMPS is "switch mode power supply"?. I really feel stupid asking this question what do you mean by "I try my best to keep SMPS’s away from my systems." ?.

audiofun, Thank you. This does put things into perspective for me. I appreciate it :).

audiofun, Would an upgrade to Audio-Technica AT-ART9 be good enough?. Would Luxman CL-38uC be good, an used BAT VK-P10SE or Herron VTPH-2A?. Luxman CL-38uC seems to be more than just a phono stage seem quite a value?. EQ-500 is just a stretch.

Or what is "the" cartridge for Luxman EQ-500 to be worthy?.

@luxmancl38, Where can I find Luxman CL38U-SE ?. I am only able to find Luxman CL38uC ?.

I went and got myself an used BAT VK-P10SE SuperPak. Going to use the saved coin to upgrade the cartridge and get some good vinyl!.

Down the line I plan to get the Luxman CL38U-SE  / EQ-500 and do some A/B testing with a good cartridge and see if I can actually hear some difference given all things being equal.

Thanks everyone.

@luxmancl38, Thank you I left a voice mail.

Does AudioTechnica ART9 be a worthy cart for BAT VK-P10SE SuperPak  and or for Luxman CL38U-SE ?.

thanks