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Suggestions for a good phono stage

I’m looking to upgrade my phono stage and would like some suggestions. Budget is around $2000. Would like an adjustable gain, but the noise floor is most important.

My stylus is the Sumiko Blackbird with a 2.5mV output mounted to an RB300 tone arm on a Thorens TD-850 turntable.

I'm running it through the phono stage of my Rogue Audio Metis preamp but the gain is too low compared to the line level inputs and is not adjustable. Plus I am not happy with the noise level of this built in phono stage. My amp is a Krell KAV-250 driving Martin Logan Ascents with a Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer in line.

My sights are on the Graham Slee Era Gold, Era Gold Reflex and and the SIM Audio LP-5.3. Any advice or recommendations?

Thanks in advance
audionut33
gopher
499 posts
 
I second the recommendation for the Nighthawk, but would add that the price will become $795 on April 30th. Right now the intro price is $650 which is an effing steal.

Listening to it as I type this... Outrageously good.
slowhead
40 posts
 
HOMC is not overly rewarding if the phonostage cannot dial it in real close, been there. My experience with stages was below your budget, but a good match with the cartridge was a significant improvement.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have found BOB'S Devices SUT to be very good, costs $395 and has very good resale if it doesn't suit you.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
941 posts
 
I have not heard the Ray Samuels Nighthawk though I am a fan of his stuff. I do love my Simaudio LP5.3 with my VPI Classic and Benz Glider S LO.
bachtovinyl
27 posts
 
George Wright's AG Phono pre is great. If you live near Seattle feel free to borrow mine and see if you like it. I used it with many different cartridges--even the Denon 103R which is MC with 0.25 mv. I will be selling it eventually since I have a strain gauge set-up now. Good luck
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