Is it really worth it to get a phono stage over $10k

@mglik,Last fall I was in the same position. Had tried over 10 phono stages (bought and sold, so was able to live with them for a few months) in the 2K to 8K range. Some were better than others, and some were no better than what I was using at the time (hot rodded Manley chinook).
So finally took the plunge. All I can say it there are several out there in that price range. Make sure you get one that has really beefy dual mono transformers.

I have never heard the dynamics and impact like I have now, inner detail and imaging have improved. There is an ease to the sound I have never heard from an LP before. I also have quite a collection of 15 ips half track tapes. have to say LP playback got much closer to tape than I would have envisioned.

so would say if you can work out an extended trial period, def do so.
And like you I was pretty sure the  purchase was not going to be worth the money, and I would hear little or no difference between a five figure phono stage and what I had been using. found out I was wrong in the first 10 seconds of use.

hope this helps.

You’ve wasted that much money on cables and you’re questioning spending money on a better phono stage?

There's a Herron listed here on Agon! Worth acquiring!

I actually owned a Sao Win table and strain gauge decades ago. It never worked. Sent it back to Sao with the preamp and he and it disappeared and never answered my calls... but that is another story. The Soundsmith Strain Gauge seem like a logical solution and a good value. I understand running it directly to the amp is the way to go. I could sell my preamp and cartridge. Big change. Is it really the way to go? Although I am most attracted to the Zesto. Love that sound and the look!

I have a Rogue Audio Ares Magnum phono stage with AMG turntable and AMG 12" turbo arm and Ortofon Cadenza Black cart (preamp and amp are Rogue RP7 and Stereo 100).  The sound is very very good-- call it an 8/10.  But, I want more articulation, more 3-D soundstage, more instrumental separation and more "natural" timbre of the instruments (I listen to classical and jazz). 

Immediately before Covid, I went to SoundSmith in Peeksklll NY and listened (using my LPs) to the strain gauge (SG-6 stylus) on their system which included VPI turntable, their SS electronics and their bookshelf speakers.  The sound can only be described as remarkable--  9/10.  Immense soundstage, superb separation of instruments, remarkable articulation and the instruments sound true.    There was a clarity, immediacy, and character that surpassed my candenza black system.

The strain gauge system does NOT require a phono amp (it comes with its own, so to speak) so the cost is in reality very reasonable.  The stylus/cantilever assembly are user replaceable and the costs is roughly $1000 for the top of the line SG-6 assembly.  So, ongoing costs are much less than MC or MM carts in the same league. Allegedly, the strain gauge also does not wear the vinyl as much as traditional carts which is also a consideration.  The SG6 also tracks better and "deeper" in the groove which helps with older LPs.

Yes, I have ordered my SG-200 with SG6 stylus (along with two replacement assemblies for future use).  Unfortunately for me, there is now a 6-8 week backlog, so it will be a while before I can enjoy the sound in my own home.  But, do consider this "alternative" to upgrading the phono amp.