Lamm LP2 - change tubes, caps, RCA jacks and the input Xfrs. 6 hours work, approx. $1k to 1k5 parts.
Easy to perform except for some nasty work changing the poor RCA jacks for pure silver ones.
Not balanced output however except you are willing to do more work.
Afterwards its one of the top 5 phono preamps on this planet - regardless the price tag.
Others will have other favorites, but this can be bought real cheap on the used market and provides an excellent basis which is easily upgradeable.
Easy to perform except for some nasty work changing the poor RCA jacks for pure silver ones.
Not balanced output however except you are willing to do more work.
Afterwards its one of the top 5 phono preamps on this planet - regardless the price tag.
Others will have other favorites, but this can be bought real cheap on the used market and provides an excellent basis which is easily upgradeable.