Tube phono stage vs Solid state phono stage.

There are some really good used phono pres in the >$1k range and it really comes down to needed gain & personal preference.

I owned the Graham Slee Era Gold mkV ($999 new, ~$550 used) and it was excellent. It's good with carts between 2mV - 9mV output. I compared it with the another over-performer in that price range, the tubed EAR 834P, which is also excellent - especially with a few simple upgrades. It really was a toss up between the two, both were great.

You really cannot go wrong with either of those two.

I second the GSP Era Gold V. I plan on adding the Elevator for low output MC cartridges.

Third the GSP.

Going for around $500 on the used market.

Major bargain at that price.