I owned both the Eastern Electric Minimax phono and the K&K Phono and would really recommend them both. The EE Minimax has a midrange that is absolutely to die for. It was maybe a little rolled off on top and bottom but really a nice piece that I could live happily with. The K&K is the best I have heard to date with no weaknesses that I really know of. It combines the best of solid state sound in a tubed unit. It doesn't quite have the midrange of the EE Minimax but it has a very sweet midrange and significantly better lower and upper frequency extension. I don't think you could go wrong with either unit. Good luck in your search.
Phono amp recommendations
I am thinking of upgrading my phono amp and would like recommendations in a sub $2000 phono stage. I don't even have an "A" list yet and will build it off of others recommendations and some listening of course. I have a Nottingham Spacedeck with the New AceSpace arm, shelter 501 II, Belles Auricap 21A pre and ref. 150A poweramp. Dynaudio Special 25 speaker with Shunyata Gemini speaker and Aries interconnects. I love acoustic music, look a bit more towards warmth than detail. I listen to about 65%vinyl, 34% CDP and 1% wondering what I am going to listen to next. I listen to a wide variety of music, strong leaning to jazz, bluegrass, blues, acoustic rock and popular music, some classical pieces as well. Thanks for your input. Oh, I currently use a Dynavector P75 which is a great little amp, I am just thinking my other equipment could give me a little more with a nicer phono stage.