Phono Stage with XLR outs

“With classical I might crave a bit more instrument separation. Not sure if Model 4 lacks in that department.”

@audphile1 

Right on! I primarily listen to Jazz and Acoustic music, with a few albums in Rock, Blues, and Classical. I wouldn’t say the Model 4 lacks in separation, but when it comes to ultimate slam and dynamic swings, a well-built solid-state phono might perform better.

In my bid for best of both worlds, I plan to have two phono’s in my setup. You can read about it in my discussion here,

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/two-paths-to-musical-truth-the-case-for-both-solid-state-and-tube-phon

Consider picking up Whest Audio’s Three Signature or Two.2 Discrete. I am hoping to get their newest release 20.DP0 in upcoming months. 

@lalitk I’m going to revisit my collection if records and figure out what will make up for majority of my listening. I have some Metallica and Slayer there as well that I like to throw on a platter once in a while but mostly it’s jazz, vocals and rock(i.e. The Allman Brothers Band and Steely Dan) where the Softone may be a good choice. 
 

@hoytis thx! I’ll read up more on PH-10. It’s definitely a cool looking phono

Look at the Schiit Audio Skoll F Phono Pre-amp. MM/MC with remote control and balanced ins and out. Made in America for just $399. A game changer

....another choice .....TEAC 505

Aud, Never having ever heard of it, I looked up the BIA Fusion 9 Mk3 phono stage. It uses only two 12AX7 tubes, which makes me doubt that the circuit could be balanced. Also, I am wondering how they get a 600 ohm output impedance and up to 70db phono gain using only those two tubes. Makes me think there is a solid state device and/or a built-in step up transformer (for 70db gain).  Nothing wrong with that, but be aware it probably is not balanced, even though it offers XLR output jacks, and it may contain a SUT and/or a solid state device or two.  Again, nothing wrong with that.  The Softone 4 is what it is, a sweet sounding (per the descriptions of others) MM stage that uses a SUT for high gain when needed, also single-ended.