Phono Pre-amp for Analog Newbie

Reponses below, in CAPS:

You wrote:

1) Cartridge (type and make)

I SECOND THE CHOICE OF A GRADO SONATA MOVING-MAGNET CARTRIDGE, WHICH LISTS FOR $500. WELL-BUILT, DOES A LOT OF THINGS RIGHT, AND IS APPROPRIATE, PRICE AND PERFORMANCE-WISE, FOR YOUR TURNTABLE. I USED ONE ON MY VPI ARIES FOR AWHILE AND IT WAS GREAT (NOW IT IS ON MY PLANAR 3).

2) Phono pre-amp (it will be going into an Anthem AVM30, or I may upgrade to the D1 Statement). I would like to get one with XLR output if possible, or does that really matter?

I DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO KNOW IF YOU REALLY NEED XLR OUTPUTS. THAT SAID, THE BRYSTON BP-1 MOVING-MAGNET PHONO STAGE HAS RCA AND XLR OUTPUTS. IT USED TO RETAIL FOR $700 AND I BELIEVE IS NOW ONLY AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL ORDER (IT IS BASICALLY A PRO UNIT THAT WAS MADE FOR RADIO STATIONS). WHILE BRYSTON IS NOT KNOWN FOR THEIR PREAMPS, THE BP-1 IS AN EXCEPTION (I ACTUALLY PREFERRED IT IN SOME WAYS TO THE TUBED PHONO STAGE IN THE CAT MK. III PREAMP I WAS USING AT THE TIME, WHICH IS A REALLY FINE PHONO STAGE). BUILT LIKE A TANK AND COMES WITH A 20-YEAR FULLY TRANSFERRABLE WARRANTY.

3) Reasonbly priced cleaning machine.

THE VPI 16.5 IS THE SAFEST CHOICE.

4) Other "extras" I will need.

RICE PAPER SLEEVES FOR YOUR LP'S (YOU SHOULD CLEAN AND RE-SLEEVE YOUR ENTIRE LP CATALOG). A CARBON-FIBER BRUSH TO TAKE OFF DUST BEFORE AND AFTER PLAYING AN LP. OF COURSE, YOU NEED A GOOD SHELF FOR YOUR TURNTABLE, BUT THIS IS A GIVEN, NOT AN EXTRA.

The VPI scoutmaster is the way to go

I would second the recommendation on the Dynavector 17D MKII -- I use it on my VPI Aries/JMW combo and it is a wonderful cartridge; I like it a lot better than my previous Benz Glider

The VPI 16.5 is the way to go for record cleaning -- can't recommend a cleaning fluid at this time; I've tried several and have no clear preference.

Phono preamp depends on your budget and the cartridge chosen, but I would recommend a tube unit (this is strange, since I use a SS phono preamp, but the Dynavector has an incredibly low output (0.2mV) for which you need at least 60db gain and the rest of my system is tubes)

Good luck on your choices and wellcome back from the "dark side"

Lots of good stuff above, imho.
How does the scoutmaster price out against a used HRX is a question I'd be pondering.
I've enjoyed the dynavector 20xh & the Lyra Helicon sl on my Aries, depending upon how much cash you want to throw at it. (I also liked the Shelter 900 but that is a guilty pleasure because everyone sez it is a missmatch and honestly it was a bit exagerated on top and bottom but I loved it with rock and roll).
For phono stages, I'm very happy with a Hagerman technology trumpet & step up tranny & have read good reports on Jim's lower priced stuff also.

Much thanks to all. Great suggestions. I have loved the Bryston amps that I have had, so I am very interested in trying that phono-pre to start. Going to start with the Dynavector 17D MKII as well. Lots of positives on that, and the VPI 16.5 it is!!!

Thanks again.

A lot of great recommendations above...

After a year and a half of the "merry-go-round" I've finally settled on the following and feel no need to upgrade anything at this point...

Cartridge: Dynavector 20xL

Phono-Stage: Dynavector P-75 (operating in Dynavector's "PE" Mode with the 20xL this is pure magic...)

RCM: VPI 16.5 (I've run the Nitty Gritty's and this wipes the floor with them...)

Other: AIVS Record Cleaning Fluids and Disc Doctor Brushes; Last Stylus Cleaner and a bottle of Stylast

Prepare yourself to question all that money you've spent on digital gear and software over the past two decades...