I have spent the last month listening to some inexpensive phono-stages. I recently bought a REGA P5 with a Benz-Micro Glider. After I bought my self the TT and cartridge, I only had a few hundred to play around for a phono-stage until I can afford a phono-stage I really want. So, I auditioned the Rotel, Rega Phono, NAD PP2, and finally the Pro-Ject audio Tube Box II.
For the money I would recommend the NAD PP2! I have recently upgraded from the NAD PP2 to the Pro-ject Tube Box II (stretched the budget), and I must say that the PP2 holds it own quite well. The soundstage of the NAD is not quite as wide as the Pro-Ject Audio Tube Box , but its not bad. Before I bought the Tube Box II, I borrowed the Rotel once more to see if I would like it better than the NAD PP2, or Tube Box II, and I found that it was not very involving compared to the NAD PP2 or the Tube Box II. The NAD PP2 to my ear was more dynamic and provided a little more bass extension than the Rotel. The Rotel is a great phono-stage, but for $130 bucks I don't think you will be disappointed with the NAD PP2.
The Rega phono-stage sounded kind of muddy and too bass heavy for my liking. If you can swing $449 dollars the Pro-Ject Tube Box II is really good! The best thing to do is demo the phono stages in your system. That is the only way you will really know if it works well with the rest of your gear.
Good Luck and Happy Listening!
Rick
