Best value phono $1-1.5k

There were a couple of different versions (prices have been pretty stable over the last three versions) and Roger Gordon has done a nice job describing the physical differences between the different ones:

Positive Feedback review of JLTI

Also, Jay at Audio Revelations can answer some question to comparisons between the JLTI, ASR Mini Basis, and Sim LP5.3 since he had all of them. The ASR seems interesting. There have been some comments on comparing the big ASR Basis Deluxe phono and the JLTI in the Tone Audio Review (Issue 11). That issue also has a review of the Simaudio LP 5.3. Interestingly Tone Audio picked the JLTI over the LP5.3 for an award a few issues later for value for for money.

The JLTI was supposed be a kind of a stop-gap for me until I could get a top phono - now I am not so sure I will see improvements. The only real downside of the JLTI is looks - it doesn't look like it could compete with the big ones.

Tom, all of the cartridges I ran into the JLTI were LOMC with outputs from 0.25mV to 0.5mV. Unless you go all the way down to below 0.25mV or want to use a passive preamp you will be fine with the MC gain.

Also the specs state 55dB gain for the JLTI. Using the same loading the JLTI played louder than the Dynavector P75II at the 60dB setting or the Ph.D. at 60dB. Seems like the specs are quite a bit understated and the actual gain of the JLTI is around 60-62dB.

CMK, what cartridge are you considering?

I just bought the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena. It sounds great. Quiet, detailed (without sounding harsh), and great imaging and soundstaging. I have nothing to compare it to except my old "built-in" phono stage on my current amp.

K&K Audio has a new "budget" phono pre you might consider.