Phono Preamp Selection

Don't know specific models, particularly if you include used options (+1). I would make sure that

1) you can set different resistance values for your MC cart, as it affects sound profoundly;

2) the settings are available from the front. Dip switches on the back or underneath the unit (or even inside: yikes) are pain to work with, IMHO. Even is you only play around in the beginning, dials/switches not in front are impeding you to adjust the unit to its fullest potential.

my 2c.

As an individual who has over a period of many years experienced in use numerous Phonostages, as a result of visiting the homes of other Audio Enthusiasts who have Analogue Sources and attending Forum arranged Phonostage Bake Off's. The demo's received have left myself with a certain way of generalisation for describing the impressions made.

Note: These demo's had, which are being described are not recent and are demo's that in general were restricted to a few repeat tracks used for each device, and one track the devices owner believed allowed to to perform at its best.

The assessments made and being shared, even though formed subjectively, are from my own encounter with the sound able to be produced, where the overall experience and evaluation made is indelible to myself.   

When being at a Phonostage Bake Off, there are a range of Phon's that range in purchase value (commercial background) / build value ( DIY / Commission Build). At the events I have attended, the Values of Purchase /Build are batched. Up to £2K, £2K - £4K - £4K and above.

I have not discovered a Phon' from a (commercial background) in the 'Up to £2K' range that has been selected to go on into the next scale of upping the price range. I have witnessed and agreed with the decision made for a ( DIY / Commission Build) to be selected to enter into the up the scale price range.

I have witnessed at a Bake Off, where a £2K -£4K( DIY / Commission Build) has been in the final group to be contested, and the Finale has been between a £10K (commercial background) and a £2K -£4K( DIY / Commission Build).

Using short periods of time for assessing a Phon' is not ideal, but in comparison events on a particular system, there are Phon's that just fall away as not bringing anything with noticeable attraction. Then there are the Phon's that Pop with their appeal, and then Phon's that Popped with appeal, that are bettered by Phon's with more attraction for their uniqueness of an attractive Pop. 

My experiences had, strongly suggest the best experiences to be has with a Phon', where a limited budget is a controlling factor for the purchase to be made, is that a ( DIY / Commission Build) is able to offer a route to own a Phon' that has substantial and notable improvements over (commercial background) Phon's that are costing similar, and in some cases, the  ( DIY / Commission Build) will compete very similar to a (commercial background) Phon' that has a cost that is much much more. 

The hardest part in making a selection, is learning where there is to be found from a Phon', an end sound that is of most attraction to the end user.  Getting this in place, takes footwork and broadening ones own experiences of being demo'd  Phon's in use.  

@pindac Have you had the opportunity to audition the Pearl 3 phono stage at some point? If so what were your impressions? It is available as a DIY kit for only $150.

I have not heard the Pearl 3, but have been able to listen to a variety if DIY / Commission Built Phon's in both SS and Valve, that have been extremely attractive as a device in comparison to other devices, of which some are DIY Kit and others from a Commercial background.

A Phon' produced as design from a designer like that of the range of Pearl Phon's with the 3 being the latest from 2023, has the potential to make a really good impression. There are user reports to be found that compares it to other Phon's and it is the recommended model as the outcome.

There are also builds now showing there are components now being made known that are making a further impression of betterment, which at some point may commence being referred to as an upgrade.

As stated, the EE skill set of the builder goes a long way when producing Phon's.

I tried out 4 or 5 in that price range when starting out. Went with the $500 Graham Slee. Upgraded to the $1000 Graham Slee. Both are very good IMHO. I’d look for the $1000 one used for $500 or a little more or less.