The best phono stage out there?

Salectric has it right. The "best" phono stage can only be the one built to match the system and listening environment.

Ecka , i have a Audion note /Kondo step-up & i use it with my AIR TIGHT ATE-2 Phono stage. it has 2 phono inputs as well as a line level input , you could use it as a pre amp with its volume control ,but it sounds alot better as a phono stage.

Well, I owned the PHD, the Manley steelhead w/ a Mcintosh C2200 preamp. I sold the the PHD and loved (thought I loved) the Manley....... I changed all the tubes and thought ...this is it! ( Oh, forgot to mention....table Basis DebutSignature Vaccuum table, Graham Phantom Dynavector XV1S) Bought a Mcintosh C2300......MUCH better than the Manley....Sold the Manley and ended up w/ Tron7 signature w/ NOS Telefunkens......ABSOLUTE MAGIC!! The C2300has an incredible phono stage and is a VERY CLOSE second place to the tron. My .02cents........

I have owned various phono stages SS and Tubes.

The best i have heard so far is dedicate Kondo KSL-M7 phono, stand alone phono.

Hi, My other cartridge on the second arm is the Audio Note IO2v stright into a Kondo AN-s9s tranny then into the Allnic H-3000. Works great.

My other cartridge is a XV1s fed into an Expressive Tech SU1 which also works well with the Allnic.

The Allnic is in your price range a tad over $10K and has the ability to accept 4 tonearm/cartridge combos.

I am sure like as some mentioned, the Kondo M7 is another killer piece but might be outta your price range.