Solid State Phono Preamp Suggestions $3k-$4k

Thank you  @allhatbach54 and @lewm ,  I may be misinformed. I was aware of the recommendation of 1:10 when it comes to your amp and preamps but read somewhere that 1:100 was the recommendation when dealing with matching up your phono preamp with your preamp.  

I reached out to Herron as I was very interested in the VTPH-2A given the rave reviews on this site and others but he did not recommend pairing the VTPH-2A (400-500 ohm output impedance) or any tube based preamp for that matter with the Bryston preamp.  

@ericsch Thank you for the heads up.  In the reviews I've read on the JC3 they did mention the fixed MC gain. If I do go down that road it will be with eyes wide open on the cartridge limitations. 

64 dB gain is enough for all but the very lowest output cartridges. Any cartridge down to 0.2 mV will work fine.

If you want to get into very expensive low output, low impedance cartridges the Channel D Lino C would be the best as it is a current mode phono stage.

@mijostyn
True, but what if 64dB is too high and the user wants to reduce the gain?

In addition to Fremer's very positive review, the PS Audio Stellar just received a Product of the Year award at Stereophile.  Plus PS Audio lets you return it if you don't like it after a 30 day trial.  Read the review and John Atkinson's measurements in Stereophile, consider the flexibility that it affords and at $2,500 it is a steal.  Anyone in the market for a phonostage would be foolish not to give one of these serious consideration.