Phono Stage, How much do I need to spend, New or used.

what does any amount of money have to do with SQ?  It is in the design of the component that matters most.

@bigkidz

what does any amount of money have to do with SQ? It is in the design of the component that matters most.

??? 

are you reading what the op is asking?

+1, Herron VTPH-2A


if it’s above your $$ limit, look at the Parasound JC3 Jr., it’s little less than half the cost of the Herron.   

If you are on a budget the Hagerman Cornet3 tube phono is good value at $439 new.
Going up to around 1$k - EAR 834 tube phono is great value for money.

JLTi is a good phono, better than the Lehman in my view but given your requirement I would look for a tube phono.

If you expect the room to be filled like digital does, do NOT use vinyl. a CD can have up to about 96 db of dynamic punch whereas, on vinyl, you will NEVER get more than at best about 72 db. It is just the limitation of the media and physics. All other things being equal, you can spend $50,000 on a phone stage and or $10,000 on a cartridge and nothing will change. Digital will ALWAYS win on dynamic range and room filling.

Some audiophiles may disagree with me.  Let them.  Physics and your own ears will prove it to you.