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Best Phono amp under $2000.

I'm looking at the Ray Samuels F-117, the Ray Samuels XR 2. Also looking at the Sutherland 20/20 and the PHD3. I want a solid state phono amp,I already have a tube phono amp. My first choices are Sutherlands and the Samuels.. Has anyone ever compared these phono amps. Whats the difference in their sonic signature? I have a Nottingham with 2 tone arms. The carts I'm using are the Dynavector DV20 high output and a Grado Reference Master 1.I want to try low output MC's eventually.What other amps at $1000 to $2000 are recommended?
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aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
What dealers sell Gold Note?
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
I bought mine from Sounds Of Silence at a good price. Look them up they are located in NH
slimpikins5's avatar
slimpikins5
191 posts
 
I am in agreement with the gent who said that he went with Whest.
I just sold a mint Whest Three Signature for under $2K, well under; that would have been by far your best bet in the range you wish to stay within. I have had a number of other phono preamps here over the past few years including the highly reviewed Gold Note PH10. None of them could come close to how quiet the Whest was or how much detail with an amazingly flat response it has. Like the other OP here, I upgraded to a new custom modified PS.30 RDT SE recently and it just took things up to a whole new upper level. With each upgrade in offerings from Whest, you get the ability to reveal even more information deep within the recording.  Granted, this was nowhere near the price range you are seeking, but if you can find a Whest Three out there, you should grab it.

I’d spend some effort to locate a used Whest vs. buying something new in your price range. You will get far more for your money.
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