Best phono preamp in the $ 1000 to $ 2000 range ?

I have owned a Vacuum State JLTi w/power supply for several years and still enjoy it. The one thing I wish it had were adjustable gain settings, but it does sound good to me.

I have considered a Pass XONO and a Cullen modified PS Audio GCPH. All three should be <$2000 used.

Unfortunately the Pass takes up more room than I have on my rack and the Cullen does not come up often.

Good luck with your search!

Regards,
Todd

I should say I wanted the adjustable gain settings for doing needle-drops. I ended up getting an E-MU 1616 which has a preamp so problem solved.

I use the JLTi with a Dynavector XX-2 MKII, Shelter 501 MKII, and a Denon-304 with great results.

Regards,
Todd

Would you recommend the JLTi standalone or allways in the company of the external PSU ? That raises the price substantially.
Also as far as I know it is quite rare to find it in the used market. I have a Shelter 501 mkII, so your experience is most valuable.
I'm also looking at the x-ono suggestion.
Thanks so far. Would gladly hear more suggestions.
Best,
Tabare

I third the JLTI...I also own the ASR Basis Exclusive...and I'm just as satified with the JLTI as the ASR which is 4 times the price. Buy the unit sans the power supply, then ask to audition the power supply.

Cheer

I have a BAT VK-P5 which sounds very good in my system, even though it is roundly criticized as second-rate by many. You could also pick up a Audio Research PH-3SE in that price range which I have not heard but so many rave about that it deserves mention here. Based on the several other Audio Research components I've owned, I'm sure it's deserved.