Phono stage for my system?


I am getting back into my vinyl collection and would like some recommendations from vinyl enthusiasts. My equipment includes the following. 

Ayre K-5xe pre-amp - no phono stage
Pro-ject Debut III turntable with stock Ortofon cartridge (OM 5e I believe)
Proceed HPA2 amp
Aerial Acoustics Model 8b speakers

I am currently using the phono stage in my Integra video processor/pre-amp the signal from which passes through the Ayre pre-amp. I find it lacking in detail and soundstage even when listening to some excellent DG and Decca classical recordings. I realize my cartridge may pose some limitations, so let me know if you view that as an area for potentially greater improvement. 

Given the level of my turntable and cartridge, my budget is up to $1,000 for the phono stage, with the understanding I may choose to upgrade the cartridge or turntable in the future.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

sameyers1
Thanks for the additional recommendations.  From reading your responses and prior threads about phono stages, there is no clear and obvious choice.  And I want to demo at least two or three, if possible.  

Three things I've seen repeated several times are (1) need to match phono pre-amp with the cartridge, especially MC cartridges (which is not an issue for me at this time given my MM cartridge), (2) benefits of having a phono stage that allows the user to adjust to match output, capacitance, etc. of cartridge, and (3) importance of a good power supply (no surprise to me).

Anyone have any experience with the Linn Uphorik, per my prior post?  As @millercarbon pointed out, a pre-owned high end phono stage is likely to outperform a new unit at a comparable price, (especially if a solid state unit with no tubes to replace). 
Yes no clear choice but I'll 3rd the Gold Note PH10. So very versatile as others have pointed out.
Trichord Dino Mk3 and eventually the Dino+ PSU.

Works great with MM, MI and MC and will not be the
limiting factor for a long time.

I just heared it in comparison with the big Pass phono
and the difference was pretty small.
Some observations after reading manufacturer's, dealers' and reviewers' information about some of the cartridge recommendations.  

1.  The Gold Note PH10 sounds like an excellent product, but it is well above my $1,000 budget at $1,699.  Its power supply upgrade takes total cost well above $2,000.  Would have to purchase used, which may preclude the ability to listen before buying.  

2.  The Italian made Trichord Dino (now Mk3) has been around for years, also sounds like a good product, starts at $799, has two power supply upgrades (the first of which is $349, closer to my budget), and a power cable upgrade, all of which reviewers suggest make material improvements to sound reproduction.  It is designed to be upgraded in increments, which is something I appreciate.  Haven't found a U.S. dealer or way to demo and return.

3.  JLTI ships from Australia for about $1,000 U.S., with power supply upgrade about $340 more.  The dealer's description includes the following comments.  Not sure if there is a U.S. dealer with a return policy that would allow me to demo the unit before purchase.

"While it is optimised for Moving Coil cartridges (testing done with extremely low 0.22mV MC Cartridge), it will also perform its magic on majority of Moving Magnets. Low inductance and impedance cartridges will be at their best.

With MC the Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) is superb, but with MM's higher impedances the noise rises, more than some than others, but in far majority of cases will be more than just adequate."

I have a good quality entry level turntable and MM cartridge.  This unit seems more appropriate for a higher quality MC cartridge, the least costly good ones costing at least $250 and more like $400-$500.  While I would consider a $250 cartridge upgrade budget, more than that would suggest purchasing a higher quality turntable.

4.  The Musical Surroundings Phonomena ii+ is also an upgraded design of a unit that has been in production for years.  Its price is $750 and its power supply is $650.  Again, I like the ability to upgrade.  The unit is made in the U.S. and has a wide range of adjustments, a plus.  Multiple sellers in U.S. with return policies.

5.  Parks Puffin is a lower cost option at $449 from Amazon.  It uses DSP and has lots of adjustment options, many more than I would likely use.  Would have to listen to it.  At least if purchased from Amazon, could be returned.  

Based on the above, #4 has me most interested.  And recommendation comes from someone who like me has Ayre Acoustics components, suggesting a similar taste in sound reproduction.

I will follow-up with another post of some other brands/models that seem to meet my requirements with the hope that some of you will have some comments about them.  I am also still considering a pre-owned Linn Uphorik, as I have some experience with Linn products and their "house sound."

Thanks for your interest in helping me narrow the field.



Great work on doing your homework!

Yes the ph10 new is out of your budget but used is in and you could upgrade later with the PS if you felt like it was needed.

I am long time user of Ayre amps, first a Ax7e and now the qx8 so have used the ph10 through both of those amps.

But if new and getting a demo is high on your list then the ph10 is out for sure.

The phenomena II has a great rep but it's not one I have heard.

Always tough but if you do go used your 1k will buy a LOT more phono than new.