Looking 4 a high quality phono line stage $5k-$8k

I have to agree with Rushton, the Aesthetix IO Signature is a great option, finding one used will be the problem. They show up every once in a while, but go fast.

I have to disagree about the recommendation for the ASR Basis Exclusive, it did not harmonize well with me or my system, it seemed to sterile sounding as I recall. It was very detailed but I thought it lacked some naturalness and thus caused my listening sessions to be somewhat less exciting then I thought they would be. Believe me, I wanted to like the ASR as I live in Germany and can get a great discount minus the VAT and pay the non-export price, but it did not happen. Good luck.

V/r
Audioquest4life

Rushton- Thanks for your comments. I'l explain what I meant as my current arms (RB300 and Graham) both terminate in Din connectors. I have a Cardas GR phono cable that terminates in XLR so I want a phono stage that accepts XLR connectors, and is truly balanced.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. So far there are a lot of similarities between the suggestions which is great. I know a big component is listener preference but I plan to buy something used and try it.

BTW my $5k-$8k price is new. My budget will top out at about $4500 used.

Correction: I was mistaken about the Aesthetix Io connector. The Aesthetix Io has both XLR and RCA jacks for the phono inputs (no DIN). But the first gain stage assumes a single ended input (whether XLR or RCA) and converts the signal to balanced at that stage. The Rhea has RCA inputs only and similarly converts to balanced at the first gain stage.

Thanks for your clarification, Mmike84, and good luck with your search.

Rushton-

My arms terminate in DIN. My cabling is DIN (from the arm to XLR at Preamp). Since the signal is balanced to start with I would prefer to maintain that as opposed to converting in the preamp. Any other suggestions?

I also own a ASR Basis Exlusive...and It is simply amazing. Not only can you adjust gain/capacitance...but it has a separate batt power supply. You can go from batt to electric. 2 Inputs with separate adjustments for each. If you want resolution, dynamics, and dead silent operation...this is the way to go. I use mine with a origin live TT with ZYX cartridge...Thiel speakers...Rowland pre....the combo is fantastic. Good luck