Phono only pre under $1500

You can also try the SimAudio LP5.3 which is $1500 at list and is highly adjustable. Mine has performed flawlessly and beat many contenders that were more expensive. I have used it with a Benz Ruby3 and a Clearaudio Maestro. There are some great reviews on the web.

I just picked up a Whest PS.30R for a little above that price point. I've had it in my system about a week and feel it is doing (almost) everything I want--great dynamics, speed and articulation, very deep bass, black backgrounds (very low noise), adjustable gain and solid build quality. Very neutral presentation--super clean and musical. The Whest sounds better in my system than the ARC PH-5, EAR 834P and the Acoustech PH-1P. Really nice product--I can't recommend it highly enough.

Aqvox 2CI MKII.With a little negotiation,list is $1795.Mine has been quiet,dependable and very transparent.Gain matching is a pleasure and allows cartridges down to .1mV through its' balanced inputs.
Definitely worth your consideration.

anyone try out the PS Audio GCHP?