Looking for phono preamp suggestions

@three_easy_payments

Re the Luxman EQ-500, I note that depending on the selection between the two LOMC gain modes it provides it presents the cartridge with a load impedance of either 40 ohms or 2.5 ohms. While the OP’s 0.3 mv cartridge has a recommended load impedance of >100 ohms, and an internal impedance of 32 ohms. Doesn’t seem like a good match in either gain mode.

Best regards,
-- Al

the  Luxman Does not have balanced input.
i want to run balanced from needle to speaker .

i am not a big fan of the 17dx catridge. I am working with my local dealer to get a good deal on a Lyra Etna lambda catridge . Hopefully soon 
currently my digital front of lumin u1 and ayre Qx-5 twenty with cardas clear interconnects bests the analogue front of sme and 17dx and ayre p-5. I am trying to get my analogue front to sound better . 

@almarg   Good point and I wasn't thinking about the built-in loading options as I use a SUT with my Luxman.

@newtoncr  Yes, I was thinking about the balanced output as opposed to input.  Sorry about that.

With your strict all balanced requirements you should take a look at Boulder. If you are limited to one cartridge and 100 ohm load impedance is suitable, the 508 would be a great value at the price (ca. $5000). If you need more flexibility with two inputs, any load impedance you fancy and alternative equalization curves for pre RIAA era records, the 1008 is a great choice. I’ve been using this device for years and never felt the need to upgrade. It’s hugely dynamic, totally transparent, very neutral and dead silent. Your system is certainly up to it. The 1008 originally cost around $12k in 2009, but it’s now deleted and replaced by the new 1108. The difference seems mostly cosmetic to match with the new 1100 series amps and the inevitable price increase. Hunting down a previously used 1008 might be a more interesting option. If you can find one, they don’t come around very often.

You didn’t mention budget, but if price is no object, there are far more options. A sign of the times I guess. A used Boulder 2008 might be located at a reasonable price, but after that all bets are off: Boulder 2108, d’Agostino Momentum, Soulution, Ypsilon, the list keeps growing. All fully balanced and all fully unaffordable for us regular folks.

Good luck with your search!

I was thinking of how the boulder 1008 or 1108 will compare with the ayre p-5 xe . 
That would be in my price range .