Phono stage suggestions?


I will be replacing my CJ Premier 3/MV-52 with either a Cary SEI. CJ CAV-50 or ARC CA-50 -- speakers are Proac 1SCs. Source jazz & claaical on a WTTT&A with a Alchemist II high output MC cartridge. Since all the integrateds are line stage only, what phono stage would work best with all or any of the above?
Thanks
Dave
saihcc
what's your budget? if it is limited, tho not too much so, you can not go wrong with an aesthetix io. if you get the version with an extra analogue input and volume control, then you can skip the preamps you've mentioned, too. -cfb
Are you dead-set on the Cary, CJ or ARC? If not, I would suggest checking out the VAC Avatar SE with phono, or perhaps the Rogue Tempest Magnum. Both have quite good tube phono stages that would accomodate your high-output coil. I gave a brief listen to the VAC and found it quite competent. I think it would be a nice system with the WTT and ProAcs. Good luck in your search.
I personally consider phonos with multiple gain settings a waste of bucks since there are too many amplification stages.
That's why I would start my search from EAR 834P with 2 gain settings which is one of the best value stages for high and low out cartridges. There can go Electrocompaniet as well.
The above described phonos can even work without preamplification at all and they play MUSIC.
Stan Klyne makes one of the best phono stages out there at a very reasonable price new and a bargain used.
The Pass XONO is a truly great solid state unit with multiple MC settings, has no cool or etched quality, and is dead quiet. The new Lamm LP2 may be even better, if you like tubes, but has no internal adjustments for gain and loading. The Pass can be set to sound marvelous with my Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge; the Lamm just does.