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Phono Stage Recommendation $3000

Hi Guys
Want to upgrade my Phono Stage. 
Currentky I have 2 TTs, a Project Debut Carbon with a Denon DL 103R paired to a Project Tube Box DS. My second TT is a Clearaudio Preformence DC with a Dynavector Karat D17 paired to an Avid Pellar. Rest of my equipment is B&W 800d, Classe CTM 600, Ayre KX-R. As most of my system I would like a tube phono if possible and 2 Inputs if at all doable. 
srafi
areasonableman
15 posts
 
Consider older Sutherland Engineering units. Some of them are even battery powered.
koetsu13
26 posts
 
Hi -

Everything is so system dependent but please read my preamp shootout.  After 40 years of listening and a lot of gear passing through my system I would strongly recommend going the used route for either a CAT SL-1 (either an ultimate, which I picked up for $3k or a signature MKll which I sold for $2k).  Use in hot-rod mode (only using phono) unless you also like the sound of the line stage.  Replace two phono 6dj8 tubes with Amperex 6922 pq white label tubes.  Simply one of the best sounding phono sections ever in my system (along with  coincident phono with 5751 sylvania tubes but $4k used) The break-point for needing a SUT is around .4mv output. I primarily listen to a Benz micro LP-S or a Monster Alpha 2 cartridge through an EAR MC-4 SUT.  However, I also have a clearaudio maestro and it sounds good going straight into the CAT, The Maestro is not equal to the Benz or the Monster in my kit, but it is pretty darn musical.  Once again, Please read the preamp shootout and good luck.
macsspl
6 posts
 
I had a ModWright phono pre that I used with a DL 103R.  They mated well.

 Wished I still had it.
djfst
169 posts
 
Also consider an EAR 324 MM/MC phono preamp.  Retail is around $6k but there is a used one available on Audiogon now for sale within your budget.  Very versatile and though a solid state phono preamp, it doesn't sound solid state.  After speaking with the USA EAR distributor, there is not much different sound in the 324 solid state vs 868 tube phono stage they make.  I would prefer the EAR over Herron and the Parasound personally.  If I were in the market for a phono stage, it would either be the EAR 324 or a Zesto Andros.   I had the Zesto before and sold it for the EAR 324 which I currently own (though I will also be putting it up for sale as I recently sold my turntable).   Best of luck!
fusian
129 posts
 
I'm happy with my Benz Lukaschek PP-1 TT9.

Sounds like you want something higher end, and tube, though.

Just thought I would chime in for lower budget suggestions.
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