best phono stage under 10k

I recommend the Pass XP-27, which is a major upgrade from the XP-17 and not just in terms of convenience. It is dead quiet and I doubt pretty much anything else can convey as much detail, while also sounding full and rich like a tube unit.

In the last 50 years I’ve owned no fewer than 22 phono pre’s. 

Some have been very nice units, others pretty much run of the mill.

A month ago I bought a phono pre that was the only 1 to literally make my jaw drop! Finally! The mysterious veil was removed from my phono system! I’m now busy rediscovering my cart collection, as each one sounds new.

For me, this has turned out to be the best expenditure of $2,500 I’ve ever made, as the results are so stark and noticeable! 

PS Audio Stellar phono pre.

@wolfie62 how wonderful!!!! Enjoy the music

Totally agree with Lewm. I battled a low frequency sound like motor-boating. In my Aesthetix Janus eclipse. Narrowed it down to my phono path. Went ultra low-noise amperex and telefunken tubes. Beautiful sound upgrade but the noise was still there. Upgraded phono cable to AW Leopard.  Better sound-again but  still that awful noise.

long story short the RFI was coming from a Wifi access point that I had placed placed on top of an ASC bass trap, i e exactly the same height as my cartridge and about 5 feet away. I moved the WAP across the room on the floor and boom! Problem solved and I got better SQ in the process. And obviously saved money over a new phono stage. 
BTW, Krell is coming out with a new phono stage that I had in my system for about a month. It was incredible and I think in the $4,500 range.  Whatever you get try your best to demo with your gear in your room. That’s my 2 cents worth. 

OP, sorry to hear about the RFI you are battling. That is so frustrating it would keep me up at night. Putting that aside for a moment....

If my budget went to $10k I’d buy a Manley Steelhead. It’s pretty cool that it can serve as a line stage input for a digital source too. Loading options are on the fly. Now, I own the Chinook (disclaimer) so I’d welcome more of what it does so well. 
Best of luck!