Looking for phono preamp suggestions


My system 
sme 30/2 with Dynavector 17dx catridge, cardas clear beyond phono cable with xlr termination ,
ayre kx-r twenty preamp ,
ayre mc-r twenty monoblocks 
kef blade speakers 
cardas clear cables for rest of system .
cureently using ayre p-5 Phonostage .
asking for recommendations for upgrading the phono stage .
requirements xlr inputs and outputs.
looking for more depth and separation in sound stage and more sweetness / magic/ romance 
Thanks in advance .

newtoncr
I second the recommendation for a BAT phono stage.   An all balanced design, from input through to the output.  There are several models to choose from ranging from $3K to $12,500.  I own BAT electronics and they are fabulous.  Read up on their website at balanced.com to become more acquainted with their design philosophy.  The sound quality is exquisite and they are built exceptionally well.  I have gone through several great systems in my time and my current BAT products are certainly about the best I have ever owned.
Good luck, and do enjoy the music.

Check out Sutherland. That’s all he makes. I recently got a modest model and had some questions/needed an upgrade and Ron Sutherland himself helped me. Doesn’t care where his box has been purchased -he will support it. I think his models go from $900-$16,500. I think his and Van den Hul are top options.
Sutherland does not have balanced input and output . They use the same tech as the grail .  Still deciding between boulder 1008/1108 and the grail sb/sb 
Working in Europe and Singapore I get to hear 'millionaire' Hi Fi systems at hi end dealers and at shows (last year!). The two best phono stages I've ever heard (no I haven't heard them all) would be an Aesthetix IO which Is balanced in and out. The other is a Tom Evans Mastergroove SR
which is single-ended In and can be ordered with a balanced output.
 'Full disclosure' I loved the Aesthetix but was put off by the costs involved in keeping it supplied with the quantity of valves/tubes it needed. I ended up buying the Tom Evans SR and just love it's music making abilities. I have the 0.2 mV input with an Ikeda 'Kai' pick up. The Tom Evans 'Mastergroove' Is almost as good as the 'SR' for 60% of the price.
You must consider something in the Allnic line.  LCR networks are the way to go.