best sub 1k phono stage?

It's difficult to buy more bang for your buck than a used Graham Slee Era Gold Mark V at $600+. Superb sonics and build quality.

If it doesn't work out, you shouldn't lose any money as they sell quickly.

It would depend on the type of cartridge that you are using. If it is a low voltage MC I use to have a dynavector P75 and was very happy with it. Plenty of gain and very quiet. They have updated it and though I have not heard the newer version I have been told by people that have that it is a bit more musical.

Used EAR 834p.
You can then mod. it with v-caps and NOS tubes.

Tim

Yep, get a used EAR 834p, mod it, upgrade the tubes. Stunning. Sweet, life-like and beautiful. That's what I use, and I never even think about changing it.

As an alternative, if you like a slightly more detailed and neutral sound, grab a Sonic Frontiers Phono One on those rare occasions when they show up used, and upgrade the tubes. Might go for as low as $1000.

I have personally been disappointed in the solid state phono stages under $1000 that I've heard, but I've only heard the inexpensive ones (e.g. the $300 Graham, not be the better models). They don't sound bad at all, just, for me, they lack the life of tubes.

If I wanted a really inexpensive phono stage, I'd try the Bellini - sells for what, $250 new? One tube. MM only though, not MC.

Art