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Best Phono amp under $2000.

I'm looking at the Ray Samuels F-117, the Ray Samuels XR 2. Also looking at the Sutherland 20/20 and the PHD3. I want a solid state phono amp,I already have a tube phono amp. My first choices are Sutherlands and the Samuels.. Has anyone ever compared these phono amps. Whats the difference in their sonic signature? I have a Nottingham with 2 tone arms. The carts I'm using are the Dynavector DV20 high output and a Grado Reference Master 1.I want to try low output MC's eventually.What other amps at $1000 to $2000 are recommended?
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mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Musical Surroundings NOVA phono pre. It charges while not in use then when you turn it on it switches to battery mode. Super quiet and all the settings you could ever need,awesome sound!
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Pass Labs XOno used around $2000!

All the adjustments you would ever need for MM or MC cartridges.

Quiet, very detailed, and slightly warm IMO. High gain.

Super reliable.
dazzlingmd
71 posts
 
Sorry, I missed the detail in the post about ss amps. Yes, the Allnic and Herron are both tubes. The JLTI is SS and I liked it a lot, but there's not a universal view on those. I found it great with the rock, jazz and acoustic music I listen to, and it can be had for around $800 used (it's $1600 new).

Before I got the Allnic tube phono stage, I was also considering the JC-3 and Pass Labs, but I never actually heard either. Lots of good reviews, though.
bobsdevices
99 posts
 
I also like the Liberty B2B. It bested the Krell KPE Reference in my system.
zeal's avatar
zeal OP
168 posts
 
The Liberty and the Musical Surrounding Nova looks interesting. Has anyone compared it's sonic signature to the other phono amps I'm looking at? How does the Nova sound compared to the Liberty or even the Sutherland 20/20? There's not any Audio stores near here so I depend on Audiogoner's opinions.
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