Preamp with phono stage for under $1000

"At the outer limits of your budget the Audible Illusion Modulus 3 with the gold phono card it the all time classic and IMHO the one to beat in this price range. (They typically go for @1200...worth the extra $$ if you ask me.)"

Agree...and with the standard MM phono stage you sacrifice very little in comparison, for typically ~$950 or so.
-ken

Adam18 - I noticed the Rogue Audio Metis was The Absolute Sound's least expensive preamp pick in the most recent issue. Looks like a nice unit.

I have always liked MFA equipment and currently still have a few pieces. There is a Magus preamp here for $900. MFA preamps are generally known for their excellent phono stages.
I prefer it to the AI at the same price.
My $0.02

How about the Jolida Music Envoy? Can usually be had for around $800.

:-)

You can't have it back...

David

Armstrod - I like the Jolida Envoy about the best of all the preamps brought up so far. Just saw a used one a few weeks ago down at a store in Indianapolis where I had purchased some used Dynaudio speakers. Should have gotten it; probably gone by now. Thanks.