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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
joysjane's avatar
joysjane
180 posts
 

If you don't mind older pieces of gear my Pass Labs Xono has XLR.

It's one fine sounding phono preamp. One thing, if it hasn't been recapped it's time to get in there.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
7,822 posts
 

I’m digging the Whest so far! The factory setting for MC is 100ohm and 65db gain. I’m using XLR outs and that adds 6db. Most likely higher than ideal. 
I emailed Whest Audio with a question on what they think would be the best starting point for the settings with my cartridge for this phono stage using XLR. I had a reply in 20 minutes from James Henriot, CEO and Head of Design. He recommends I lower it to 60db which I did. It’s calmer now. I’m letting it break in but listening occasionally. 

bobsdevices
107 posts
 

Just because a phono stage has XLR outputs does not mean that it is operating in a fully balanced mode.  A fully balanced phono stage will typically have XLR intputs and XLR outputs.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
7,822 posts
 

@bobsdevices true. The premise of having a phono stage with XLR outs was to be able to use XLR cables between it and my integrated amp that only accepts XLR. I have never stated having a fully balanced phono stage was a requirement. 

alessandrocat's avatar
alessandrocat
19 posts
 

The Parasound JC3+ is an excellent phono stage that can be found on the used market for around $2,500. This could be the ultimate solution as it is very flexible.

Regards

Alessandro

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