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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
7,879 posts
 

@052rc I am already using the cardas adapters with my amp to connect the reel deck. That only has RCA outs. No issues. 
 

@johannm thank you for your feedback. I’m looking forward to getting it all up and running. 

cbrez
110 posts
 

Not tube, but one other to consider is the Simaudio 310LP, which used should be in the price range. I have the larger 610LP and am very pleased with the sound.

lewm
14,668 posts
 

The convention is that pin2 of the XLR is hot on an RCA . Pin3 is negative or audio ground on RCA. So an adapter connects pin3 to RCA ground. It grounds the negative phase. 

bimmerlover's avatar
bimmerlover
156 posts
 

You may want to look at the Simaudio MOON 310LP - a great phono amp for the money (about $1,000-$1,200 used). You can later upgrade by adding the matching 320S linear power supply. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,175 posts
 

@audphile1 

If you end up going with a phono that only has RCA outputs, my recommendation would be to get a RCA to XLR IC’s. Purist Audio made for me and it has worked flawlessly. Any brand that makes their own cable, can do this for you. If you wanna try it, I can send you my Purist cable. Let me know! 

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