Looking for a great, inexpensive phono stage...


There are a LOT of choices out in the market, both new & used, for inexpensive phono preamps. There's Musical Fidelity, Bellari, Creek, Graham Slee, Music Hall, Rega, etc, etc, etc... I'd like to find something in the sub- $300.00 window but just not sure of what the best choice might be. I have a Rega Elys 2 on a P25 and it will be driving an input on a Bel Canto s300i integrated. This is temporary and will more then likely be replaced later in the year, but I want something decent for low dollars now to tide me over. Anyone have some experience with some of these or anything else interesting? I'm pretty open minded...
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If you're using an MM cart, get a used Bottlehead Seduction w/CS4 upgrade. They hold value well for an eventual resale.
If you're going to change it later this year anyway, then get the one from your list, or suggested by others, that has the best resale value. Agonizing over the "best match" in your situation is unneeded mental stress.