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Luxman E-250 or Sutherland 20/20, or something else?

Moving on from my C48 preamp which had a very capable MC/MM phono section. In the $2,500 +- category narrowed it down to the Luxman and Sutherland 20/20. Didn’t know anything about either till I started researching. The Luxman has some cool design features and more flexibility than the Sutherland, IMO. I’m intrigued by their step up transformer for LO MC carts, which I have (Cadenza Black). Filter switches could be nice to have. The mono function seems intriguing but do I need it if I use a mono cart? However, very little user feedback online about this product. 

The Sutherland obviously has a solid reputation with Stereophile and Absolute Sound recommendations. Also, lots of user feedback that generally provide favorable reviews. Not too fond of having two wall warts for the base model so would probably have to spend the extra for the line power supply, so that puts the 20/20 about $400 more than the Luxman. Is the extra money worth it for the 20/20 over the Lux? Has any one tried either of these? Any other recommendations in this price range? Thanks in advance for your comments/questions. 
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photon46
1,076 posts
 
From my experience with the Sutherland 20/20, which was quite underwhelming, I'd opt for the Luxman (although I've not tried that model myself.) That said, there are so many different combinations of equipment in an analog phono setup there's no universal experience with any given bit of kit. Obviously, lot's of people like the 20/20, but it was dull sounding and lacking in energy in my setup. If you're buying new equipment, hopefully you could find a dealer with a trial policy. 
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samzx12
1,216 posts
 
Not to confuse but may want to consider the Manley Chinook SE MKII. There are many phono stages out there but in this range the Chinook is very hard to beat.  
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three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Unless you’re looking at LOMC carts with output below 0.3mV, I’d be leaning towards the tubed phono pre’s in that price range but that’s simply the sound I prefer. In this range I’d be looking at Modwright, Allnic, EAR, Manley, and Herron (although Herron has the least tubey sound of this bunch but is still great).

If you're going really low output MC then I'd go SS and look for a Whest in your price range.
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bfoura OP
87 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. If I’m now using a tube preamp/line stage won’t that instill at least some of that tubeness into the sound? 

I’ve heard of the Manley Chinook but the others are new to me. I was going to use Music Direct so I could exchange if I didn’t like the sound. Any other stores like that were I can find the products mentioned? 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Using a tubed linestage isn’t a sonic substitute for using a phono preamp with tubed gain stages. I think Upscale Audio offers 60-day returns.
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