Phonostage recommendations under $3K


Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk
@lalitk

@chakster,

The Vida is on my top 5 list but I can only afford it used :-)

Prices for used VIDA are fine, I have no problem to buy used phono stage. 

Aurorasound home page



I owned a Herron VTPH A for a bit. And while I thought it was great for classical and jazz, I felt that it lacked "pop" or sufficient transient response for rock. (Perhaps Keith Heron's training in classical music made for that difference?) I ended up selling it and the new owner was very happy. The Tavish Adagio plays all genres quite well.
Some people are married to that Herron, they are not allowed to look aside. 
I took delivery of a VTPH-2A about a month ago (running a Rega P10 through it). It is lovely and lives up to all of the praise heaped upon it in this forum. Keith also deserves all the kind words mentioned about him. It’s worthwhile to contact Keith and get a conversation going even if you don’t decide to buy from him. I’ve put about 30 hours on it. It’s wonderful out of the box and continues to open up. I haven’t even started to play with the capacitance plugs yet.

As to the post mentioning lack of impact for rock, etc., my stepson loves his vinyl hip-hop and I sit there and listen to it as well - and enjoy much of it - because the production value of those records with massive transient dynamics is amazing.  While I lean towards well-recorded acoustic these days, I've listened to much of my old rock as well as some wonderful classical organ.  The Herron does not lack for dynamics.
Anyone here have any experience with E.A.T.  E-Glo S or E-Glo Petit phono stages?