Best Phono solid state under 2K?

While I have not heard many of the current contenders at that price point, I would agree w Jtimothya- ZYX Artisan. There might be some new stock left @ former dealer Sorasound that would be very close to your budget or definitely used would be under $2K. A very, very good piece that can hold its own w such top end phono stages as Manley Steelhead, Doshi, and high end VAC. Its not AS good, but the difference is small. Plenty of gain for LO MC carts (active gain stage) w none of the difficulties associated with transformer matching.

I tend to agree with the cognoscenti that the Ayre P5Xe, Xono, and JLTi may stand above some of the rest, all of which are also fine. I am pleased with my P5Xe, but I have no basis for claiming it is superior to either of the other two. I never heard the ZYX Artisan, but I take Swampwalker's word for its goodness. Audiofeil, Re the Xono, does the "big" power supply make much difference as compared to the standard one? Another phono stage that is getting mentioned as a "giant killer" is the Jasmine 2.0SE. It may use tubes, however.

Easy: Jasmine LP2.0SE or Mark II. Less than half your max.

Phil

Addendum: The Jasmine 2.0SE is solid state, not tubes. Costs $500, so fits all your desires. Question to 213Cobra: The 2.0 Mk II is said on the Jasmine website to be an upward evolution of the 2.0SE, but on eBay the 2.0SE costs a few bucks more than the MkII. What's up with that? Looking at photos of the respective circuit boards, it seems that the diff between the two versions must relate to the choice and/or quality of the capacitors. Otherwise, they appear exactly alike. It looks also like a DIYer could make further upgrades to the circuit; there is lots of room to play.

Lewm,

I haven't heard the new MkII but observed the same things you cite. Having spent quite a lot of time with the 2.0 > 2.0SE comparison and listened to some of the company's amps, and knowing Jasmine's track record for making content improvements when claimed, I completely trust that the Mk II is not regressive relative to the SE. The differences between the initial 2.0 and the SE were materially slight but discernible sonically. That the essential circuit is not changed works for me.

The designer has proven across his electronics product line to be worthy of being taken seriously. He voices his electronics for startlingly good music performance, especially considering price, and does not skimp on build quality nor parts. There are many reasons the MkII might be found for a bit less on eBay than the prior SE, having nothing to do with content changes. Competing with and sometimes sourcing from Chinese firms in my own business illustrates that point often. If anyone feels wary of the MkII, default to the excellent SE and worry no further.

You're right, DIY improvements are highly feasible.

Phil