Best Phono Stage within 2000 $

If you haven'settled on the phonostage,please keep the Aqvox in mind.In its' balanced operational mode,it accepts cartridges in the .1mV range.Have owned some pricey units (Walker Sig/Ref,the custom Terra-Song,Vendetta Rsch and had experience with the Klyne,Pass XONO and a few others).The final gain adjustment on its' face is a very good feature.These units can be auditioned with a return policy.If the "poles" aren't closed,give it a shot.Definitely benefits from after-market PCs.

I have to admit I really have no experience with any of the phono stages mentioned here other than the Aqvox (I was an early adopter and own a Mk.1). That being said, I think that providing you are going to use it in balanced mode with a low output moving coil it offers up some very impressive performance and just sounds "right".

I'd agree, also, that it benefits from an upgraded power cord. The very inexpensive DH Labs cord (I did a DIY one with Marinco connectors for $70) works quite well and fleshes things out and warms things up a bit, which was just about Fremer's only criticism of the Aqvox in the rave review he wrote on it. I've heard it also benefits nicely with a fuse upgrade, which certainly won't break the bank.

But don't buy it unless you are prepared to run balanced with a low output coil. That's where the action is with the Aqvox.

Robm1, your information on the Feickert version of the Jelco arm is correct. Although similar in appearance to the standard Jelco arm, it is made exclusively for Feickert to their specifications and uses a different bearing design.

Feickert dealer.

Yes there is a price difference between the 30r and 30dt nearly $1000 dollars but you getting a lot closer to the reference in terms of resolution