Good stand-alone phono preamp?


Need a good phono preamp for a high-output MC cartridge. Can't spend mega-bucks but want a nice, high-definition unit. What do you recommend? Thanks in advance. Associated equipment: BAT VK-5i MR RM-200 Magnepan 1.6QR LP12 w/ET-2 DV 20X
schnider8781
I'm very happy with my Lehmann Black Cube with a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 and ML aerius speakers. Very detailed and Musical. Also very small footprint so it can be tucked away in a corner.
I used to own the Rotel RQ-970. It worked great for the money. List is $200. Used around $125 to $150. It is Stereophile recommended if that matters to you. If it a high output MC cartridge you can use a moving magnet preamp. The Rotel has a switch to handle both.
Thank you for all of the posts so far. I've heard that the Musical Surroundings Phonomena is a good unit. Anyone with experience on this one? Thanks in advance again.
i tried the musical surroundings unit,& it was a bit too dry for my taste. ask carl eber about his experience, tho - he thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. during my search for it, and its replacement, i heard a couple folks say the anthem p-10 was better than the m/s or the black cube. based on that, i'd try the aragon 47k, as it can be had for ~$450 new, and it's the anthem's bigger brother. i'm very happy w/the pentagon ps-1, but it's ~$1750 new - i got mine for $600 demo, cuz no one in the usa has ever heard of it, & the dealer wanted to make it go away... i've also heard the benz lucashek is nice, tho i've never heard it. for bargain-basement, i'd get a db-systems from jerry raskins s the needle dr. (or elsewhere?), yust based upon the sound of their active x-over - great electronics for little money. doug
Does anyone have experience with either the Audio Electronic Supply PH-1 (Cary) or the ASUSA PP-1? Both are available in kit form, tube based and use passive RIAA EQ. Thanks again.