From my experience, the preamp is the make or break component when it comes to bringing on a 3-dimensional musical presentation. If this is what you seek, a tube model is a must. Unfortunately, many tube preamps fail miserably here as well. Since you want this to have a phono stage, the BAT VK-31SE with the built-in solid-state phono board is an excellent choice here. For a little more, I have seen the Atmasphere MP-1 on the used market in the $5k range and this would be superb. When I heard the Atmasphere MP-3 (borrowed from the local Atmasphere dealer), the BAT 31SE destroyed it in literally every way.
The CAT SL-1 does not quite have the portrayal of space and decays like the BAT but it has an awesome extension and resolution in the trebles and is incredibly dynamic with great bass extension ..... and it has an optional tube phono stage. This may be too much in the same direction as the JC-1s.
If you're after the utmost in resolution and detail, I would suggest investigating the Spectral DMC20/30 models which also have optional phono stages. This too may be too much in the same direction as the JC-1s.
Just a few things to investigate in your price range.
John
The CAT SL-1 does not quite have the portrayal of space and decays like the BAT but it has an awesome extension and resolution in the trebles and is incredibly dynamic with great bass extension ..... and it has an optional tube phono stage. This may be too much in the same direction as the JC-1s.
If you're after the utmost in resolution and detail, I would suggest investigating the Spectral DMC20/30 models which also have optional phono stages. This too may be too much in the same direction as the JC-1s.
Just a few things to investigate in your price range.
John