After trying out a budget phono stage that wasn't up to the rest of my system, I traded it in to upgrade to a Luxman E-250. The Luxman retails for $2300, so it is within your budget. The Luxman took a couple weeks of intense break-in to really open up. In fact its sound developed so demonstrably that I had to change footers once it's high end and soundstage opened up. Been buying vinyl again. Great detail but with a smoothness of texture. Enjoying Supertramp as I write this.
One interesting feature for MC cartridge users is the "Articulator" which after switching on for about 30 seconds, demagnetizes the coils in the cartridge. It does open up the high end and yield more dynamic jump to the sound. Cool.
One interesting feature for MC cartridge users is the "Articulator" which after switching on for about 30 seconds, demagnetizes the coils in the cartridge. It does open up the high end and yield more dynamic jump to the sound. Cool.