Nilthepill: First I would like to know the model of your Classe preamp.
Second, I can´t understand why you already put a 2-4K budget for your phonopreamp that you want to match to your analog rig that it is in the 15-18K when the phonopreamp is the most important/critical link on the analog chain.
For you can really know why you already invested those 15-18K on your analog rig you have to have a really good phono/line preamp ( integrated if you find it ) and in my opinion you can't really do it between that budget range.
Now, I think that your today analog rig is a very good one and if you have it is because you really care about the quality music sound reproduction, right?. That's why you need that " non budget " phono-line preamp.
Of course, you can buy what you decide in your budget. No problem it is only an opinion.
+++++ " I am looking for realistic lively sound on neutral side. " +++++
Your priorities preclude the use of tube electronics, I think that you can be right on target with SS electronics.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Second, I can´t understand why you already put a 2-4K budget for your phonopreamp that you want to match to your analog rig that it is in the 15-18K when the phonopreamp is the most important/critical link on the analog chain.
For you can really know why you already invested those 15-18K on your analog rig you have to have a really good phono/line preamp ( integrated if you find it ) and in my opinion you can't really do it between that budget range.
Now, I think that your today analog rig is a very good one and if you have it is because you really care about the quality music sound reproduction, right?. That's why you need that " non budget " phono-line preamp.
Of course, you can buy what you decide in your budget. No problem it is only an opinion.
+++++ " I am looking for realistic lively sound on neutral side. " +++++
Your priorities preclude the use of tube electronics, I think that you can be right on target with SS electronics.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.