$2500 Phono Stage Suggestions

Just an update on the K&K. I have just had the uogrades to bring my SE up to the current Maxxed out stage, fitted. Everyone else seems to have done it a year ago, but I'm slow on the uptake. To get the platitudes out the way, "My jaw dropped" at the sound. It really is a different phonostage, particularly in terms of dynamics and it's speed. As a result it is much crisper, cleaner and more detailed. I have turned the volume down nearly 25%, to get a similar perceived sound level.
All this cost $85 + postage + fitting of course.

I recently purchased a Parasound JC3. After all the positive reviews (I do not base my purchases only on reviews) and it was in my price range. I also have the highest respect for the designer John Curl.
Now looking fo a different cartridge to go with it. I'm presently running a very low output MC and using a step up xfmr for it. Would prefere not to use a step up.
Seems like it is very well built and after hearing it was sort of based on the Vendetta Research phono amp, I felt it would meet my needs. It does not have all the settings I would like but it does sound very good.
I have not heard the K&K, but from the above posting seems like people like it a lot.
Joe Nies

+1 for the K&K Maxxed Out phonostage I had the the latest iteration of the Maxxed Out until about a year ago and in a word (which is useless when trying to describe this unit)was UTTERLY FABULOUS! Fast forward to August, I had Kevin install the latest updates... sorry I can't help the cliches but it IS AN ALTOGETHER different phonstage.Honestly I can't say that I've fully even broke it in, all work you know. Do yourself a favor and at least audition one and see if it's your flavor.
Also not sure if many current Maxxed owners know ,Kevin has developed a new face plate that encompasses polarity,stereo mono, mute and switching between the MM section and the MC section all on the front panel,PLUS,,,, are you read for this? variable loading and capacitance for the MM section.
prior to having decided to upgrade to the latest revision I have always tried to have current owners explain just what was gained, I NEVER got a straight quantitative,or qualitative answer, now I totally understand it's..... (sigh)

David and Jeff,

Glad you guys are (finally (!)) enjoying the fruits of that very important upgrade. It really elevates the K&K to a new level. Of course, anyone buying a new unit will already have this installed. Cheers,

-Richard

i say keep the whestTWO and get a better cartridge. My son is using the whestTWO with a dynavector XX2 Mk2 and its bloody good. changing the 2M now seems a bit wrong. If you have to upgrade get a Whest PS.30R