Best phono stage balanced under $3000 used

Cedar is spot-on, as is Oz with his second.

Cedar, FWIW the "topology" of the K&K is decidedly single-ended. The output, which is transformer coupled, allows either a single-ended output or a balanced out. Check the schematic. BTW, I bought the first "complete kit" from Kevin and have loved it ever since.

John_tracy,
Thanks for the correction. I was sloppy in my choice of words. With respect to Pedrillo's question, the points I wanted to make are (1) the K&K can deliver balanced output; (2) the cost savings (substituting elbow grease) are significant without compromise to the ultimate performance of your system; and (3) the cartridge, like the preamp, can limit the performance of the system. Pedrillo, I think, can obtain a better cartridge for his system.

I agree cedar I know I need a better cartridge thanks.

Apparently, I found out the new Simaudio phono preamp will be a balanced design with balanced outputs. It's supposed to retail under $1500 but I don't know anything else about it now except that it is supposed to ship real soon....