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Phono Stage with XLR outs

Taking another stab at vinyl after about a year break. Not going too fancy but would like a phono stage with both RCA and XLR outputs. My amp, Boulder 866, only accepts XLR. I do have a set of Cardas adapters but thinking to do it right. 
Budget - under $1500 used or new. 
Table - Clearaudio Concept with Hana ML moving coil cartridge. 
Not trying to compete with my Meitner MA3i digital front end. Just looking for good natural presentation. 
Contenders - Pro-Ject DS3 B, Black Ice Audio Fusion, McIntosh MP100

Any other candidates that I should consider?

audphile1
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
8,131 posts
 

Thanks @lalitk the parasound is a crazy bargain for $299. I’ll read up on it and Whest. 

johnss
684 posts
 

1500 with balanced out is going to be a pretty rare bird. Even used, a person probably needs to be north of 3K to get xlr balanced out. 

Since you are using the Hana an option would be a better SUT such as the Technics 305 into an MM phono stage such as one of the EAR clones. 

jc4659
617 posts
 

A used Ayre P-5xe phono stage, balanced XLR inputs and outputs, plenty of gain for even a low output moving coil cartridge.  Excellent reliability and great company but these may be rare on the used market.

lewm
14,714 posts
 

Jc4659 has a good idea. PS Audio Stellar, used? Not sure it’s balanced.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,184 posts
 

@audphile1 

I started out with Parasound XRM,  my setup was Thorens TD124, Hana ML and XRM.  I couldn’t believe how good it sounded not to mention XRM’s versatility and on the fly MC loading. And you can snatch Stellar on used marked for under $1500 (not sure if Stellar is 5x better than XRM) 😊

Fusion 9 MKIII would be a good choice if you can get one! 

 

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