Help with phono amp upgrade

Really hard to beat for anything less then $1000.

Well, i disagree. Tried both: Chinese iPhono 2 and Australian JLTi mk4 side by side.

The iPhono was creamed by JLTi mk4 which was $750 new incl. shipping. Now JLTi made mk5 with special power supply for AUD 1450 = USD 1030 including shipping worldwide from the manufacturer directly. Amazing deal and great support fom the manufacturer. JLTi brand has a long hystory in High-End audio, anyone remember  Allen Wright  ?

The iPhono often sold defective, even after defective unit was replaced by a brand new unit, the buyer noticed it’s defective again (i’ve posted the links in another thread). This is a poor quality product, because it was Made in China. However, some units are OK, they are not all defective for sure. The iPhono indeed a bit bright for MC cartridges.

Why not try another canadian product ? - Simaudio Moon

I have the LP5.3 RS phono stage and it will probably be the last one I buy
- silent operation
- nice balanced sound
- very detailed
- exceptional dynamic performance
- very configurable

The more recent 310LP is basically the same model - just a bit more configurable
https://simaudio.com/en/product/neo-310lp-phono-preamplifier/

Check for previously enjoyed models - you can sometimes get a bargain

You do not need to get the external power supply - just use a good power cable + good interconnects to get best results

Regards - Steve

Thanks all !

my local shop is letting me try an Allnic H-1201s.
so far I’m mighty impressed... everything is more real.  I’m hearing more bass, more presence.  I’m a clarinetist so I had to hear that first- just amazing !  Almost makes me want to upgrade the turntable for MORE...

Have to agree with @glennewdick that the Gold Note PH10 is wonderful and can be had for around $1300ish new.
Check out the recent review in Positive Feedback on-line.

I find it interesting that nobody’s ever mentioned Audio Analogue AAphono device under $2000. Beautiful both sonically and visually, with setting adjustments, made in Italy. Definitely worth trying.