“Classic” phono stages 2007-20013?

Relax chief, we have twenty thousand years to figure that one out!

Yeah, but certainly there are some standouts of that time?

Coincidentally, I started a forum about my EAR834P phono stage just a few days ago, but was taken down after a bed wetting tattletale dropped a dime on me. The post was about using an orange fuse by Synergistic Research and the insane difference it made in this phono stage. Originally designed by  Tim de Paravacini, it's definitely a classic endorsed by Fremer and others. Surprisingly affordable, capable of MM & MC cartridges, and interestingly, you can roll other tubes besides the designer's call for (3) 12AX7's. A separate power supply was added later, which was a popular thing to do with them. I'm listening to it right now. VERY pleasing. 

My first "real" (stand alone) phono stage was the ARC PH3SE bought in I think 1992 or 3. Back then I was big on home audition. Refused to buy anything not first heard at home. Did not want to spend big money so started with stuff like the Lehman Black Cube. Which was pretty good for what it cost, but nowhere near the level I was looking for. 

There were at least a dozen auditioned at home but the only ones that stand out in my mind were the Black Cube, 834P and a Linn. The 834P was quite good if a little dark. Remember this was 92. I have no idea what subsequent iterations are like. Almost kept it, but decided to keep on looking. The Linn, I forget the model but it was solid state, and sounded solid state.  

The standout of the time, at least for me and for under $3k, was, is, and always will be the ARC PH3SE. I tried pretty much everything else! The ARC was good enough to keep me happy all through the 90's and right up until it was replaced with a Herron VTPH2A just about 2 years ago.  

Phono stages don't change a lot. 07 to 13 is a pretty small slice of time. Probably those same two, PH3 and 834 or their subsequent versions, would still be the standouts, at least in the same under $3k level.

OP- If you're in the market for a new phono stage, I would look for an oldie that has a pedigree, negotiate the best price and bring it straight to a modifier that has a great reputation. Then, you can get great satisfaction by beating the system. The final mod on my EAR834P was by a true genius- and I don't use that word lightly. His work makes the item surpass the specs and aural quality of the original factory product. He even modifies cartridges with a pair of surgeon's magnifying binoculars.
  My friend reps a company whose phono stages are in the 16-19K range  and are absolutely worth it. One day maybe, but until then...