Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Are your other components of similar quality? If the answer is yes and money truly isn't an issue, then go for it. But if your other components are not quite in the same class as the Coincident, for instance more like your turntable and cartridge, then your money is better spent (or not spent) somewhere else. I note that you state you're a beginner. I would caution you that components like the Coincident and particularly suitable cartridges for the Coincident are aimed at experienced audiophiles who understand their demands.

Essrand, you have a number of very experienced and knowledgeable people advising you to purchase the Coincident phono preamp and I think it's good advice, however, it might not be the best advice. Let's say you buy the phono preamp, next thing you know you go and get a $5k cartridge which leads to a better tonearm/turntable which leads to a better line stage, but now your speakers are holding back the system... What started out as $20k system has suddenly ballooned to $60k+. Each "upgrade" was logical and resulted in a worthwhile improvement in sound quality, but the real question is whether the tricked out system will really make you happier? There's always going to be some level of performance that's better than what you have. There's always going to be some great deal on some component that will help you get to that next level. There's no need to hurry, it's not a race.

Other feel free to disagree, but from my perspective someone considering a Coincident, or for that matter even the EAR, should have more than 25 LPs. It's putting the equipment before the music.

Charles1dad, everything you just said is true. My point is that despite those truths, having so little invested in vinyl might no warrant such a large investment in equipment. While there is no magic number of LPs that triggers getting state of the art equipment I would argue that an element of common sense should apply. Another way of stating the issue is to ask whether the OP would be better off with 250 more records and the EAR phono stage versus his two dozen LPs and the Coincident?

Let's say the OP buys the Coincident phono preamp. Based upon the go for the best and only purchase once philosophy, what phono cartridge would you recommend?

Interesting update.