Phono Stage with XLR outs

@lewm not sure about boulder balanced in. But I think you nailed it with the adapters. No bueno. 
 

Whest is in. But I got some things to finish up around the house before I get to it. Initial impressions of this phono stage to follow…

@audphile1 

Listen to Whest and hopefully you like the way it sounds in your system. As I mentioned before, I can send you my RCA ➡️ XLR Purist Audio IC’s to try it out with Sutherland. In all seriousness, you need a phono with true balanced output to take advantage of Boulder balanced circuitry.  Perhaps a Boulder 508 down the road and you’re done! 

Just connected it. Letting it warm up. No time to listen yet. First few notes sounded good and I walked away. 
 

Here’s an excerpt from Whest:

Balanced outputs

The whestTWO.2 comes as standard fitted with true balanced outputs which are fed from the output of the Class-A stage. While most manufacturers are content with using a 2.00 EUR/ $2.00

IC chip to perform the balancing process and degrading the minute signal in the process, the

whestTWO.2 processes the balanced signal exactly like many high-end microphones and mixing

desks…this means a perfect balanced feed if you are using long signal lines

I will add that my objective is get to a level where things sound correct and I’m enjoying playing records. I will report back shortly!

Ok so you have had a few suggestions. Here is another:. Look at the selection of used phono amps at The Music Room (tmraudio.com). They are a big reseller that certifies their gear and sell here on Audiogon as well as EBAY and their website. They have very knowledgeable staff and currently have 44 phono pre-amps listed for under $2K, including an Ayre, a Pass Labs & PS Audio, etc. with balanced outs. A 30 day trial will get you headed in the right direction.

Update/initial impressions with the Whest Two.2…

Noise level - super low, lower than the MP100

Detail retrieval - highs are slightly more extended than the MP100. More live band feel with rhythm section - bass is bigger and tighter, has more texture. Drums have more impact with realistic shimmer  mids are crystal clear - on par with MP100 if ever slightly more into the room. Vivid colors with notes fading into inky black background. 

Dynamics more explosive than the laid back MP100. A lot of drama going on - exciting and dynamic presentation. Guitars have bite and strings have body. 

I listened few selections from Allan Parsons IRobot MoFi 45 RPM and Dire Straits Love Over Gold MoFi 45 RPM.

Soundstage is wide and instrument separation os superb.

To sum up - airy, tremendous details and dynamics, very engaging and explosive transients. Need to let it settle for few days and need to do some more listening. I like what I’m being presented with so far but the real test is to live with it. I see one potential concern which is the exaggerated dramatics. But that also makes it super engaging.

Settings: 100ohm, 65db 

Cables: Blueajeans XLR (it’s all I got for the phono at this point); power cord - stock Whest cable. I have a Kimber PK14 power cable that I will try later - for now I need a baseline with basic cables .