Looking for a phono stage to go with my system

Thanks Meambler. Your speakers are reasonably efficient at 8 Ohms and 90 db sensitivity. An easy load for most amps to drive. A couple integrated amps immediately come to mind. These have the HT bypass feature I spoke about and quality MM phono sections. Install one of these in your system and it will be dedicated to driving your L/R Mains full time - for your 2 channel analog listening as well as multi-channel. Your Onkyo AVR will drive your center and surrounds when you wish to listen to strictly multi-channel HT stuff. All at the push of a button.

Marantz PM8004
Music Hall A70.2

Either of the above will get the job done and sound superb with your table/cartridge and rest of your system. You should be able to find these models new or as demos with warranty at your stated budget. Hope you get some other suggestions. Good luck!

Wow Paraneer,

Thanks for the help.

I'm always amazed and humbled at the generosity and willingness of people who help others.

What would you recommend as a step up from these models?

The one I end up going with will be my systems brain and as I upgrade the rest of my system I would want it to be capable of handling better speakers and such as I continue down the rabbit hole of the audiophile world.

Thanks again

What about a Harmon Karmon HK990? New they are around $2500 but I
found a used one in my price range.

Better than the Marantz PM8004?

Take a look at the Jungson JA88D. It is a pure class A integrated amplifier and it has a built in phono for MM and MC. Though, I use my Jasmine phono, which is superior. However, it is respectable.

You're welcome Meambler.

I have read good things about the HK 990. I don't know if its better than the Marantz but it is more feature laden and powerful. If it has a HT Bypass feature and your interested in upping your budget, I would sure put it on my short list.

I am usually quick to recommend the Marantz PM8004 because like its more expensive big brothers, it is built at Marantz' reference factory in Japan. Its quality and construction is first rate. So since you are now asking about more expensive models, consider the PM15S2 LE that is now being closed out because a new model has taken its place.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-54301-marantz-pm-15s2-limited-integrated-amp.aspx

This is the integrated I use and could not be more happy. It drives 4 Ohm VA Bach Grands and I don't plan on upgrading for a long time.

Other integrateds to consider are the Creek Evolution 5350 on sale too:

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13585-creek-evolution-5350-integrated-amp.aspx

But with this one, you would have to get Creeks plug in phono section or a separate phono pre. Nevertheless, a good quality amp at a great price. It has the HT Bypass feature too.

Hope all of this helps. Good luck in your journey to get the VPI Scout singing at its very best.