I need help choosing a budget phono stage gift


An older relative recently had an old technics turntable fixed. He is using a Rega carbon cartridge with an older pioneer integrated amp and its built-in phono stage.

I want to gift him a phono stage to help him hear more music from his system.

For $200, I keep seeing the Ifi Zen, Rega Mini A2D and the ProJect Box S2, but I can’t decide.

Any guidance is appreciated.

saulh

I imagine if I bought on Amazon, I could return it, but I guess it is a bit of a crapshoot. At worst, I suppose I could return to amazon or there is always selling on ebay. 

Or maybe someone, or a dealer in your city, would have one available to try?

Yes, buy from Amazon, keep the packaging, free return for 30 days!

Anything to do with Phono chain, from anywhere: return option!!!

I tried iFi, nah. Cambridge DUO, nah. Pyle $14. beat both of them, in-line, out of sight. Gave that to a friend when I didn't need it any more.

Previously, had a Technics AT120 with optional RIAA, a dinky thing to be sure. I liked it's sound more than my McIntosh SS C28 Preamp.

Now, McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp, love it's phono, just try to pry it away from me.