Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Essrand, you have a number of very experienced and knowledgeable people advising you to purchase the Coincident phono preamp and I think it's good advice, however, it might not be the best advice. Let's say you buy the phono preamp, next thing you know you go and get a $5k cartridge which leads to a better tonearm/turntable which leads to a better line stage, but now your speakers are holding back the system... What started out as $20k system has suddenly ballooned to $60k+. Each "upgrade" was logical and resulted in a worthwhile improvement in sound quality, but the real question is whether the tricked out system will really make you happier? There's always going to be some level of performance that's better than what you have. There's always going to be some great deal on some component that will help you get to that next level. There's no need to hurry, it's not a race.

"There's no need to hurry it's not a race" so true Onhwy61.
The premium phono stage can be thought of as a strong building block.
There's no rule that says that every additional component has to be
necessarily expensive to make good music. I don't believe you have to
spend 5k in order to get a wonderful sounding cartridge. Take your time
and get comfortable with what's available in a price range you're at ease
with. Remember that the Coincident will extract all that it can from your
analog front end. You really have to define what your musical/sonic
objectives are then fulfill them in a systematic fashion.

Some people have very expensive systems and yet aren't happy with their
sound. Take time and assemble a system rather than a collection of
numerous expensive components. You're sure off to a good start.
Charles,

Worth every penny, especially when hooked up directly to the amp, which is how I have it.

A Phono Stage is the most critical unit in the whole chain. With no other unit you can win or loose so much. When it is done right, it is not a question of overkill (Science is knowledge ---> RIAA, precision, temperature, parts... ).
We have now a lot more units available, but only very, very few are outstanding. Like a famous European Designer (Mies van der Rohe) once said: "God is in the Detail"

Esstrand,
The case for obtaining a top tier phono stage continues to grow.