Recommended phono stage to go with McIntosh

@knollbrent 

only issue with most of the system being tubes is when a tube goes out, so would make sure that you have spares on hand for each piece.

Copy that @riley804 . Great advice

After trying out a budget phono stage that wasn't up to the rest of my system, I traded it in to upgrade to a Luxman E-250. The Luxman retails for $2300, so it is within your budget. The Luxman took a couple weeks of intense break-in to really open up.  In fact its sound developed so demonstrably that I had to change footers once it's high end and soundstage opened up.  Been buying vinyl again.  Great detail but with a smoothness of texture.  Enjoying Supertramp as I write this.

One interesting feature for MC cartridge users is the "Articulator" which after switching on for about 30 seconds, demagnetizes the coils in the cartridge.  It does open up the high end and yield more dynamic jump to the sound.  Cool.

@knollbrent IMO, the Herron VTPH-2a does not sound like tubes nor does it sound like solid state.  To my ears, it does not have a signature of its own.  To draw a parallel, Those that go with a system of all ARC components end up with all tubes.  

Excellent @hifiman5  I'm sure Supertramp sounds fantastic! Which album? I'm listening to Willie Nelson's " To all the Girls" and it sounds glorious from the dining room table. I'll look into the Luxman. Thanks