Phono Preamp - 2k budget?

I would recommend the Sutherland 20/20.

Ditto on the Herron, even if you have to stretch the budget a little. It will likely be the last phono stage you will buy.

HI-FI News did a comparison of 6 phono preamps under $2k pounds (roughly your budget)in its November 12, 2012 issue:

Avid Pulsus
Bel Canto Phono 3VB
Clearaudio Balance
Pathos Inthegroove MKII
Roksan Reference
Simaudio Moon 310LP

They liked all for various reasons. The overall winner was the Simaudio Moon 310LP. I wound up buying the 310P and later bought the separate power supply. I really like the sound. The review said the Avid was hands down the best value.

The article is now a year old but it can still give some good research info.

Good Luck

Dear Pani: ++++ " How about the Nagra BPS ? Isnt it a benchmark phonostage ? " +++++

a benchmark?, maybe because its price or why?, please explain.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Most used high-end electronic equipment has been very well cared for. Manufacturers typically stand behind their products at this level. They can't afford to have any customer service issues or less than great product reliability.

Some manufacturers take selected older models in on trade for newer units or units that have significant upgrade or modification.

I say that because there are a LOT of really great used phono stages available used around that price point. They may have a few years on them but would be a real bargain.

Calling manufacturers to see if they have older used stock or trade-ins available for sale can provide some really great equipment for a fraction of the cost of new.