Suggestions for a good phono stage


I’m looking to upgrade my phono stage and would like some suggestions. Budget is around $2000. Would like an adjustable gain, but the noise floor is most important.

My stylus is the Sumiko Blackbird with a 2.5mV output mounted to an RB300 tone arm on a Thorens TD-850 turntable.

I'm running it through the phono stage of my Rogue Audio Metis preamp but the gain is too low compared to the line level inputs and is not adjustable. Plus I am not happy with the noise level of this built in phono stage. My amp is a Krell KAV-250 driving Martin Logan Ascents with a Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer in line.

My sights are on the Graham Slee Era Gold, Era Gold Reflex and and the SIM Audio LP-5.3. Any advice or recommendations?

Thanks in advance
audionut33

Showing 1 response by fsonicsmith

I have not heard the Ray Samuels Nighthawk though I am a fan of his stuff. I do love my Simaudio LP5.3 with my VPI Classic and Benz Glider S LO.