best sub 1k phono stage?

Yep, get a used EAR 834p, mod it, upgrade the tubes. Stunning. Sweet, life-like and beautiful. That's what I use, and I never even think about changing it.

As an alternative, if you like a slightly more detailed and neutral sound, grab a Sonic Frontiers Phono One on those rare occasions when they show up used, and upgrade the tubes. Might go for as low as $1000.

I have personally been disappointed in the solid state phono stages under $1000 that I've heard, but I've only heard the inexpensive ones (e.g. the $300 Graham, not be the better models). They don't sound bad at all, just, for me, they lack the life of tubes.

If I wanted a really inexpensive phono stage, I'd try the Bellini - sells for what, $250 new? One tube. MM only though, not MC.

Art

george wright's unit is the way to go, EAR are over priced and under perform.

Tiger,
You are just wrong. The 834p is a fantastic phono pre that has built up very large following in it's un-moded state. When mods are done, the results are stunning. The current price of the 834p is off becouse of the dollar. Everything from Europe is.

Tim

What about the Plinius Jarrah?

+2 for the Dynavector P75 which even embarasses some more expensive preamps quite well. I image the new revision is better. A really good match with Dynavector carts for a bargain killer. But it is a quiet and unbelieve match with low output MC!