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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
8,100 posts
 

@westcoastaudiophile 

Teac is very nice but more than I want to spend now. 

iseland's avatar
iseland
254 posts
 

Get the moonriver 505 and forget all the others ... 

ericba's avatar
ericba
155 posts
 

With your 1500$ budget: new Parasound JC3 Jr, Hegel V10. Used Goldnote PH10 or PS stellar phono. These will do it without compromise and you've got a very good set up to benefit from it. Of course the later two are better. Depends if you are willing to get a used one. Good luck and keep us posted.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
8,100 posts
 

Decided to go with tubes. Will most likely try BIA Fusion 9 Mk3 (has CLR outs) or Softone Model 4. Or both. Data points to these two having a totally different sound signature with BIA having a more modern type sound (which can be changed a bit with different tubes) and Softone having a warm and luscious type presentation. Not stating this as a fact - it’s just based on me doing some digging gathering info. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,183 posts
 

“Softone having a warm and luscious type presentation”
@audphile1 

I can vouch for that, presentation is every bit smooth, warm, and utterly engaging in my system. 

 

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