What is the Phono stage you have finished with?

I absolutely love my Artemis Labs Ph-1. It's an all tube design using 6n1p's, 12ax7's and 5687's giving about 52dB of gain without the use of any step up transformers. Loading is completely adjustable by simply plugging resistors in the back panel of the unit. Extremely well built. The key with this one is you must put a lot of hours on it to break in fully resulting in a wonderful harmonic bloom, excellent micro and macro dynamics. Without the full break in, it is only mediocre at best. Also, I leave mine on all the time unless thunderstorms are in the area. With only 52dB of gain on tap, you must keep the cartridge output at roughly .8mV or higher unless you want to put a step up transformer in front of it. If used within these constraints, it is a truly remarkable phono stage.

My K&K will do me indefinitely, quiet, detailed good soundstage, but above all, it flows like music should. Coped with a number of cartridges including Koetsu Rosewwod Signature, Zyx Airy 3. I am sure there are better, but at the price, under $2000? I do'nt think so.

The Rossner and Sohn Canofer-S is my favorite. By far the quietest and the most detailed phono stage I have ever used.

Until I can afford the Manley Steelhead, I will live very happy with the Simaudio LP5.3 phonostage and PSX5.3 power supply

Although I am a dealer for Art Audio I would still recommend you take a listen to the Vinyl Reference Phono Preamp. You can google it to catch the reviews. A serious piece of audio equipment. I do apologize for being a dealer however, it is just that I like to listen to good stuff as well.