Preamp with near-reference quality built in phono?


First some background. About 6 months ago I decided that I want to get off of the continuous upgrade path, and plotted a 2-3 year course for purchasing high quality, reference or near-reference components. The first itch I satisfied was my digital source; I threw away all of my "budget" transports, DACs, upsamplers, digital cables, etc., and purchased a high-quality single-box machine that does a number of things well and has the most musical red book playback I have heard. I then turned my attention to analog. I have not finalized my choice of arm and cartridge, but my table is flexible enough to support many.

Here is my current dilemma: I currently want to upgrade my phono preamp to something that compliments the rest of my system a little better, and that is flexible enough to work with as I settle in on a cartridge/arm combo (for example MM and MC would be nice). Concomitantly, I have begun to wonder if my decision to go with a passive linestage was a good one for the long term. I have read the arguments both for and against the passive, and having tried mine in someone else's system, I have found that its performance can be grossly impacted by changes in surrounding components. So my question is this: does a full function preamp, with phono, exist where the built in phono stage is comparable to best of breed, stand alone phono preamps? Since this is a long-term project, budget is not a huge concern, although I would like to stay under $10k if possible.
sdatch
I agree with Siddh fully - I had a quite similar experience with Avalon as well, great speakers for my Rowlands, Metaxas and Gryphon (and now Pass), but when mated with tubes I lost many of the sonic attributes of the spkr design.

You canĀ“t go wrong with many of the fine options listed in the thread, if possible try to arrange a home listen trial and-or the best deal in terms of price in your short list.

Wish you luck

Fernando
Audible Illusion Modulus, VTL Ultimate, or an Audio Note level 4 or better preamplifier (save your money!).
You stipulate a desire to buy a final system. Admirable, but experience says you are not going to be willing to remain on the sidelines after you have had that system for a while.

If you are sincere in your stated desire, however, you would be well advised to eschew tubes and fads. Today's favorite flavor lacks staying power and may eminate from a source who is shortlived.

My suggestion is the JRDG Concerto preamp. It is available with phono for $4500, will never need service, will maintain resale value, interface with anything, and outperform all other options for music reproduction. Sound effects are another matter and any number of alternatives may surpass this unit when reproducing gunfire or car doors slamming.
OK, I'm confused, where does this comment come from in the context of the cordial discussion we've been having in this thread, Microjack? I'm confused by your intent in saying this.
Sound effects are another matter and any number of alternatives may surpass this unit when reproducing gunfire or car doors slamming.
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So sorry. I didn't intend to confuse anyone.

The comment you question was inserted vis a vis the greater context of values expressed and implied on this site, if not specifically this post.

Home theatre seems to have implanted concerns for physical impact over emotional impact.

Nonetheless, I'll stand by my recommendation. JRDG Concerto P.