Classe DR-5

I had one 15 years ago. My sense is you can do better today, but it is built like a tank, with plenty of room inside to upgrade with better parts.

What would you recommend over it? Just need something that sounds decent with a good phono stage.

Just my two cents worth, but the DR5 is an EXCELLENT preamp even today. I was a dealer for Classe for many years and owned many of their older pieces. The DR5 would be hard to beat at the used prices they are going for. One of the best phono stages around.

I've not found a reason to upgrade from it as of yet.

I also was a dealer for them in the early 90s , had one and liked it. At a good price there would be no reason not to get one. The obsession with the very latest thing means that very good used equipment is out there at favorable prices. I was not as favorably impressed by the DR-9 amp, thought it was too dark.