Phonostage recommendations under $3K


Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk
Although they rarely surface on the used market, I've seen the Coincident Statement Phono Stage sell close to your price range.

New, they sell for $6,500.
@mulveling
Or others

Since part of this thread has drifted to the $10k side, have other tried the venerable more recent versions of the Manley Steelhead ? 

@jayctoy,

Thanks for the heads up. I have been exploring this segment of the analog chain, so many high performers in my price range.

I was reading up on JE Audio HP10, appears to be a well built phonostage,

http://www.je-audio.com/product-details.php?id=12