phono pre-amp

You may want to try the Melos PS-1 which is a tube stand alone phono stage, with 6922 tubes, dual mono construction, outboard power supply, completely variable cartridge loading from the front dual mono switches. These can be had for about $700-1000. I have tried the AR PH-1, PH-3, EAR 834 and thought the Melos sounded the best.

I have an EAR 834P and I love it. I picked up mine which was a dealer demo for $600. Just make sure it is a unit that was made from 1996 on up, there was a slight change made to the circuit board. As the stock unit I think it will go head to head with many more expensive units and will out perform most. There is also a gentleman named Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound Co. who does a killer mod on this unit that will make it truley world class. Steve is formerly from Audio Research, California Audio Labs and Wadia. His number is 651-578-0657. He certainly would be able to give you the low down on most of units mentioned here. I have never auditioned the Melos which really sounds like it could be a great sounding unit judgeing by there past work. I have heard the AR 1 and 3 and feel the EAR 834P for my tastes is a better sounding unit. My personal bias is to have tubes in the front end mated to a great solid state amp. Best of luck in your quest.

Given your budget of under $1K, you should definitely look at the Lehmann Audio Black Cube. It lists new for $700 (the "Improved" version with the non-magnetic housing). I've been using the original version between my digital pre/pro and a VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko arm/Shure V15VxMR, and I've been very pleased with the performance. Used versions can be purchased for around $450. which makes them a genuine bargain as well!