suggestions on small footprint phono stages


Hello gang - I'm interested in upgrading my phono stage (a PS Audio GCPH), but for the sake of WAF I need something with a smaller footprint width-wise (roughly in the dimensions of the GCPH, which is less than 1/2 a rack space).

I like and enjoy the GCPH (and it's flexibility), but it is a bit bright/cold sometimes (my speakers - Focal 1027 - contribute there). So, I am looking for something a little more organic - tube preferred as a contrast to the GCPH, but SS works too.

I'm flexible on price - ballpark $2k-$3k, new or used. To that end, the EAR 834P is on my list to check out (and an 88PB if I can find one secondhand), and the Artemis PL1/PH1, though I think that'll limit me to MCs (I currently have a Shelter 501mk2 and a Sumiko Blackbird - it'd be nice to have the flexibility to experiment with some MMs at some point, but not a dealbreaker), ASR mini basis.

Any suggestions to narrow the field down?

Thanks!
jerico
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1285090869&/Clearly-the-best!-Liberty-Audi

You should try one of these

Peter
The Audio Electronic Supply PH-1 (6.5" W)(now discontinued) is a pretty nice sounding tubed unit with a half-rack width. The Artemis is larger than it looks (8.5" W)(the PL-1 is for MC, the PH-1 for MM) but is also quite nice. A Tom Evans Microgroove might be another suggestion, though solid state.
You should consider the Nagra BPS. It is solid state but is a very nice sounding unit. No SS stridency or brightness here. Very natural sounding and very musical. I think it is $2400 new but you should be able to get for a bit less on Agon. Here are some reviews:

http://www.stereophile.com/phonopreamps/nagra_bps_phono_preamplifier/
http://www.avguide.com/review/nagra-bps-battery-powered-phonostage-tas-198
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nagra2/bps.html