Best Used Phono preamp around $2500

Update - post Audiofest (06-Oct).

A lot of updates to the system over the past 4 months:  (1) the new NiWatt amplifiers, (2) the pre-production prototype of the Eiger rim drive turntable, and (3) all new cabling (some litz cables I'm developing).

All of these developments, in combination with RMAF visitors presented a perfect opportunity to revisit my assumptions. 

Well, the short story is that I've gained new respect for the MC stage in the Heron, and it is currently the gain stage of choice.  My Air Tight (Tamura) step-ups, along with some very nice Cinemag transformers are on the shelf. 

The transformers are close, but in comparison with the Heron's internal MC stage, they don't deal with fast transients as well (a bit of hashy overshoot,in comparison).

Disclaimer:  as a manufacturer, I have accommodation pricing to the Heron.

In my humble opinion, the next step up (no pun intended) is the likes of EMIA and Alnic, but YMMV.  No association or financial interest, other than knowing Jeffrey Jackson (EMIA).

Cheers,
Thom @  Galibier Design

The saga continues.  As I mentioned above, I’ve been playing with interconnects.  They are in general, very low capacitance (about 15pF per foot). 

The one lagging item has been the shielded IC between the step-up transformer and the input to the Herron.  Getting this architecture "right" has been a bit of a challenge.

Over the weekend, I came up with two configurations.  95% of the "hashy overshoot" reported (running into the step-ups) is gone.  This was clearly a resonance interaction between the inductance of the transformers and the capacitance of the interconnects.

I’m now back to running the step-ups.  To my ears, there's more dynamic subtlety ("bloom") with no down side, but as usual, YMMV.

At the end of the day however, the Herron’s MC gain stage is very good, and while you can start with it, exploring step-up trannies might ultimately suit your tastes and your system better.

The Herron sets a very high baseline, and presents a good platform for experimentation as well.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design

I’m late joining this post, but IMO the Parasound JC3+ should be included in this list. It can be found new for about $2400 if one shops around, and about $2000-2100 used. Over the past 4+ years I’ve cycled 5 phono pre’s through my system, looking for one that brought out the best from my analog front end. I finally chose the JC3+, and will simply say that the JC3+ is an outstanding phono pre for the price -- and it will likely remain in my system for a LONG time.

I am currently using the Zesto Andros phono pre-amp. I have compared it to the Whest and the ARC pre-amp at around the same price. You should be able to pick up a used one for about 2500.00. I don't think at the price point you can do much better.