Budget Phono preAmp

Thanks Jim for your comments.

The road for me is to build slowly on a limited budget.  My speakers - at least for my current horizon are my destination.  The Linn I will ride as long as she lasts - It was great to inherit it from my parents along with a modest vinyl collection.  So I'll stick with Vinyl as a preferred format even into the future...because I like it! 

All that said - it sounds like the Southerland offers the kind of bang for the buck I'm after.  It isn't important to me that it be flexible for the future - just offer a sort of new found joy in my current setup.

It seems there isn't much love so far for the 2 rigs I listed - the Rega and Moon - surprising as I had read so much about both.  I've read a good deal about the Schitt Mani as well - but is it that it really offers the same sonics at about a 1/4 the cost?  If so, then I'll also consider it, but my budget is closer to the 500 dollar range (the Southerland is just over that cusp which is where I always end up when making these choices!)

Thanks again all!

That Sutherland says make offer so it is not carved in stone at the asking price! If you want it you should make an offer and see what happens!

For $500, the Parks Puffin is a no-brainer.  Lots of flexibility and customization available and Shannon Parks continues to make improvements through firmware upgrades (like click removal!).

Yes, it's "digital", yes, it's not the most refined phono stage, but at it's price point I think it's hard to beat.  It can handle any type of cartridge as far as gain goes.  

Another option in that price range (used - if you can find one) is a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena.  Lots of gain and loading options and the option to operate on battery power is nice.

I have been very happy with a used Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena I got for about $500.  It’s the battery powered one.

+1 Sutherland!
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=sutherland+kc+vibe+phono+preamplifier+review&docid=60803160...